Murkomen, Chepkemoi win fourth edition of Nairobi City marathon

Benson Murkomen wins 42km Nairobi City Marathon at Uhuru Park on July 6, 2025. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Benson Tunyo Murkomen and Emily Chepkemoi are the winners of the fourth edition of the Nairobi City Marathon (NCM) held in the Kenyan capital on Sunday.

Murkomen braved the chilly weather, clocking 2:08:36 to lift the cutthroat men's race as a determined Justus Limo (2:08:42) and Albert Kangogo (2:09:06), who breathed heavily on his neck, finished in that order.

Likewise, Chepkemoi waded through the cold morning, breaking the tape in 2:25:45 to become the new women's winner, edging out Vivian Jerotich (2:26:31) and Lucy Chelele (2:26:35) who completed the podium in that order.

Each of the winners went home Sh3.5 million richer from the showpiece that was contested by over 16,000 participants from 75 nations.

Murkomen, 30, from Iten was grateful for his first ever victory in the marathon saying that the secret of his win was the adequate preparations he had with his Kiprun Management team in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

“I started the contest far behind. I managed to bridge this gap when my body responded to the cold weather at the 25km mark,” Murkomen told Standard Sports.

“I cruised through to stay just behind the leading pack before taking control of the race with 13kms to go. While on the lead, I was really not sure if I’ll win hence the reason I kept glancing at my back, but I held on to the finish line because I badly needed the victory,” the father of one said.

Winer of the 21km Nairobi City Marathon Evans Kipchumba Kigen’s crosses the finish line on July 6, 2025. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

It was the second time that Murkomen was trying his luck in the Nairobi City Marathon, following an eighth-place finish last season.

“I feel more than elated with this victory, I’m now looking forward to international showdowns in the course of the season, but this will be decided by my management,” the 2023 Zurich Marathon de San Sebastien (Spain) champion highlighted.

Asked what he will do with the Sh3.5 million he bagged, Murkomen said: “I’m going to build my parents a better house, I’m also going to improve the livelihood of my grandmother.”

After registering a Did Not Finish in 2022, Chekemoi was equally over the moon with the victory in the energy-sapping women category.

“I trained well in Iten. I prepared for this contest by concentrating on long runs every morning and I’m glad it paid off,” Chepkemoi underlined.

“My tactic in the race was starting on a low pace before gradually increasing the speed,” the 26-year-old mother of one said.

Chekemoi, who won the 2024 Eldoret City Marathon, further said: “With this prize money, I’m going to give my family an economic boost. I’m also going to open some business for my parents.”

2025 Nairobi City Marathon Selected Results

Men’s 42km

1. Benson Tunyo Murkomen 2:08:36
2. Justus Limo Justus 2:08:42
3. Kangogo Albert 2:09:06

Women’s 42km

1. Chepkemoi Emily 2:25:45
2. Jerotich Vivian 2:26:31
3. Chelele Lucy 2:26:35

Men’s 21km

1. Kipchumba Kiyeng Evans 1:01:20
2. Kimutai Stephen 1:01:21
3. Kipsang Nahason 1:01:32

Women’s 21km

1. Jepkemboi Nelvin 1:09:25
2. Jelimo Millicent 1:09:36
3. Emily Chebet 1:10:19