Feature: Nairobi City Marathon gains momentum amid quest for healthy lifestyles
The 22-year-old, a native of a serene village in northern Kenya, braved the chilly dawn weather to race along the 27.1-km Chinese-built Nairobi Expressway, competing against both local and international long-distance runners.
Bundi knew his chances of winning the 21-km half marathon were slim, but the thought of running alongside well-known athletes of long-distance races was irresistible.
"This is my first time to participate in the Nairobi City Marathon," Bundi said. "Surprisingly, I finished the race without any major hiccup. I feel energized to run similar ones in the future."
Themed "I Love Nairobi-Run the City You Love," this year's race attracted over 17,000 elite and amateur runners from more than 70 countries and regions, including more than 13,000 Kenyans and 300 Chinese nationals.
Ruth Kemunto, a bubbly amateur runner from the western Kenyan county of Kisii, was in her element after completing the 10-km race, sweating profusely but rehydrating with mineral water.
Participating in the annual competitive race has been her personal goal, driven by the quest for physical wellness that many of her peers have ignored in the relentless pursuit of career mobility and financial success.
"Finishing the 10-km race triggered some renewal in my whole mental, physical and emotional realm. Running is fun and therapeutic. I am confident I will compete in the 21-km race next year," said Kemunto.
Since May 2022, when the inaugural Nairobi City Marathon was held, the subsequent editions have grown in stature, prestige, diversity, and impact on the wider society.
The prize money has also been increased, with this year's full marathon winners awarded 3.5 million Kenyan shillings (about 27,100 U.S. dollars), and half marathon winners in both male and female categories taking home 2.5 million Kenyan shillings.
In addition, the race elevated the sustainability agenda through partnerships with the United Nations Environment Program, Stockholm Environment Institute, and the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry.
Steve Zhao, chief executive officer of Moja Expressway, the operator of the Nairobi Expressway, said the thoroughfare has integrated climate-smart practices to boost urban greening initiatives in the capital.
The electronic toll collection system adopted by the Nairobi Expressway has helped reduce carbon emissions while enabling motorists to save time, fuel, and travel costs, Zhao said.
He added that Moja Expressway supported the installation of air quality monitors at five stations that acted as key turning points for the four race categories during the Nairobi City Marathon.
Park Jun-hee, a South Korean tourist visiting Kenya for the first time, said that taking part in the marathon provided him with a chance to view Nairobi's skyline and its scenic landscape.
He was impressed by the modern infrastructure in the Kenyan capital, as well as the warmth and hospitality of the local athletes he competed against.
Zhang Dongqiang, who contributed his expertise to the construction of the Nairobi Expressway, said he has participated in all four editions of the Nairobi City Marathon, and always marvels at the transformative impact of Chinese-built infrastructure projects in the capital.
"It makes me happy every time I hear locals say it is a great road," Zhang said, adding that he looks forward to stronger cooperation between China and Kenya.
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