Motorists will have road closures this Saturday. The Nairobi Expressway will be closed from 9:30 pm. This is owed to the Nairobi City Marathon. Moja Expressway announced the change in traffic flow. They said, “This advise drivers on the use of alternative routes.”.
“The Nairobi Expressway will be temporarily closed today from 9:30 pm for the marathon,” the notice reads. Moja Expressway will update when the road reopens. The reopening at 4 pm on Sunday is suggested on the Nairobi City Marathon page.
By Saturday, the marathon targets 15,000 participants. Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei said that on Wednesday, there were 10,650 registrants.
Over 730 will do the 42km race. Three thousand six hundred fifty-five are listed for the half marathon. Four thousand two hundred seventy-eight will take part in the 10km. Nearly 2,000 are listed for the 6km fun run.
“We expect to hit our target of 15,000 participants by Saturday,” Tuwei said. The inaugural edition had 10,000 participants. Last year’s event expanded to 13,000.
The registration will close when 15,000 is reached or by Saturday evening, whichever comes first.
This year’s event boasts a strong international presence. There are 155 runners from China. One hundred thirty from the UK will compete. Seventy-five from the US and 56 from Tanzania will participate.
“We have athletes from 40 countries including Ghana, Mexico, Portugal, and many more,” Tuwei added.
The marathon will kick off at 6:45 am, and the last competitor is expected to reach the finish line by 12:22 pm. The half marathon leaves the blocks at 7:30 am, while the 10km race follows at 9:00 am. The 6km fun run race leaves the blocks at 10:00 am.
Lang’ata OCPD Gregory Mutiso assured of solid security arrangements. Major roads leading to and out of the CBD will remain closed from midnight through 12:30 pm. The traffic coordinators will assist with diversions.
Winners of the 42km race will receive Sh3.5 million, second place earns Sh2.25 million and third-place prize is Sh1.5 million. Half marathon winners will get Sh150,000, second place will receive Sh80,000 while third place gets Sh50,000.
