Stephen Kimutai and Vivian Jerono emerged as the overall winners of the men’s and women’s 42-kilometre races during the 2026 Kaptagat Forest Marathon held in Elgeyo Marakwet County on Saturday.
Kimutai conquered the demanding forest course in two hours, 17 minutes and 14 seconds, finishing one minute ahead of Julius Bwambok, who clocked 2:18:14. Kibiwot Mark completed the men’s podium in 2:19:04.
In the women’s full marathon, Jerono secured victory in 2:39:27 after a closely contested race. Justine Petakou crossed the finish line 11 seconds later in 2:39:38, while Peris Jerono placed third in 2:39:46.
Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki presided over the prize-giving ceremony at Kaptarkok Primary School, where he presented gold medals to the eight overall winners across the 42km, 21km, 10km and 5km categories.
Kipkoech and Kilimo Dominate Half Marathon
James Kipkoech won the men’s 21km half marathon in 1:06:54, narrowly beating Emmanuel Sikuku, who finished three seconds later. Lenard Kipsaisak placed third in 1:07:40.
Joan Kilimo topped the women’s half marathon after completing the course in 1:17:32. Janet Ruguru finished second in 1:18:21, while Monica Jeptarus took third place in 1:20:08.
In the men’s 10km race, Elius Chebor Kiptoo stopped the clock at 30:51 to claim the title. Kipmwetch Brian finished second in 30:55, with George Kiptum completing the podium in 31:01.
Loice Chepkwemoi won the women’s 10km race in 35:15, ahead of Maurine Chepkorir, who recorded 35:37, and Brenda Kiplagat, who finished in 36:13.
The 5km titles went to Abraham Phokisio and Valencia Chebet. Phokisio won the men’s race in 15:08, one second ahead of Gideon Kiplagat, while Meshack Kipkemoi placed third in 15:12.
Chebet prevailed in an equally tight women’s contest, clocking 17:28.0. Flora Jerono followed in 17:28.3, while Caren Jebet finished third in 17:29.
Winners Share KSh7.3 Million Prize Purse
Organisers awarded a total of KSh7.377 million to athletes across the four race categories.
The 42km competition received the largest allocation at KSh3.718 million, followed by the half marathon at KSh2.472 million. Athletes competing in the 10km races shared KSh922,000, while KSh265,000 was allocated to the 5km category.
Although all 3,000 available registration places had been taken, 2,144 runners officially started the races. These included 328 participants in the 42km race, 473 in the half marathon, 673 in the 10km event and 670 in the 5km race.
Participants started from four different locations before converging at the finish line at Kaptarkok Primary School. Every runner who completed their race received a commemorative medal.
Conservation to Help Community Prosperity
Speaking during the event, Deputy President Kindiki praised the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme for involving forest-adjacent communities in environmental protection while supporting projects that improve their livelihoods.
“A good, sound and healthy environment is good for the community,” Kindiki said.
The Deputy President noted that conservation programmes were more likely to succeed when communities benefited directly through clean water, energy and income-generating initiatives.
National Treasury Principal Secretary and Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme patron Dr Chris Kiptoo said the initiative had demonstrated that forests could support both environmental restoration and economic transformation.
“This is an economy powered by the forest. Never underestimate the impact of planting a single tree, and never underestimate the power of one person determined to restore a forest,” Kiptoo said.
The marathon formed part of celebrations marking 10 years of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme under the theme “10 to 20: Restore. Sustain. Transform.”
The programme plans to build on the achievements of its first decade by expanding forest restoration, clean energy, water security and sustainable livelihood projects over the next 10 years. The marathon was held under the campaign “Run to Save Our Forest,” using sport to mobilise communities and raise awareness about protecting Kenya’s indigenous forests.
