Stephen Kimutai, Vivian Jerono Win 2026 Kaptagat Forest Marathon as Athletes Share KSh7.3 Million

Stephen Kimutai and Vivian Jerono claimed victory in the men’s and women’s 42-kilometre races at the 2026 Kaptagat Forest Marathon held in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

Kimutai mastered the challenging forest course, crossing the finish line in 2:17:14 to secure the men’s full marathon title. Julius Bwambok finished second in 2:18:14, while Mark Kibiwot completed the podium after clocking 2:19:04.

In the women’s race, Jerono produced an impressive performance to win in 2:39:27, edging out Justine Petakou by just 11 seconds. Petakou finished in 2:39:38, while Peris Jerono placed third in 2:39:46.

The marathon, held on Saturday, July 11, formed part of celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme (KICP).

Held under the theme “Run to Save Our Forest,” the event attracted elite athletes, conservationists, local communities and government leaders in a shared commitment to environmental conservation.

Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki presided over the prize-giving ceremony at Kaptarkok Primary School, where he presented gold medals to the overall winners in the 42km, 21km, 10km and 5km race categories.

Kipkoech, Kilimo Dominate Half Marathon

James Kipkoech won the men’s 21km half marathon after clocking 1:06:54 in one of the day’s most closely contested races. Emmanuel Sikuku finished just three seconds behind in 1:06:57, while Lenard Kipsaisak claimed third place in 1:07:40.

Joan Kilimo secured the women’s half marathon title after stopping the clock at 1:17:32. Janet Ruguru finished second in 1:18:21, with Monica Jeptarus taking third in 1:20:08.

Kiptoo, Chepkwemoi Shine in 10km Race

Elius Chebor Kiptoo claimed the men’s 10km title after posting a winning time of 30:51. Kipmwetch Brian followed closely in 30:55, just four seconds adrift, while George Kiptum finished third in 31:01.

Loice Chepkwemoi emerged victorious in the women’s 10km race after crossing the finish line in 35:15. Maurine Chepkorir finished second in 35:37, with Brenda Kiplagat completing the podium in 36:13.

Thrilling Battles in the 5km Events

The men’s 5km race delivered one of the closest finishes of the day, with Abraham Phokisio narrowly defeating Gideon Kiplagat by a single second. Phokisio won in 15:08, Kiplagat followed in 15:09, while Meshack Kipkemoi finished third in 15:12.

The women’s 5km contest was equally dramatic. Valencia Chebet claimed victory in 17:28.0, edging Flora Jerono, who finished in 17:28.3. Caren Jebet completed the podium in 17:29.

The eight overall winners were Kimutai and Jerono (42km), Kipkoech and Kilimo (21km), Kiptoo and Chepkwemoi (10km), and Phokisio and Chebet (5km).

Athletes Share KSh7.377 Million Prize Purse

Competitors across the four race categories shared a total prize purse of KSh7.377 million.

The full marathon attracted the largest allocation, with KSh3.718 million awarded to participants. The half marathon shared KSh2.472 million, while KSh922,000 was distributed among the 10km competitors. The 5km races carried a combined prize purse of KSh265,000.

The substantial prize fund continues to position the Kaptagat Forest Marathon among Kenya’s most rewarding athletics events while reinforcing its strong environmental conservation mission.

Interest in this year’s event reached a record high after all 3,000 registration slots were taken up. Ultimately, 2,144 runners started the races, comprising 328 participants in the marathon, 473 in the half marathon, 673 in the 10km race and 670 in the 5km event.

To support participants, organisers distributed more than 11,000 bottles of water and 3,500 bananas along the race routes and at the finish area.

Kindiki Champions Community-Led Conservation

Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony, Deputy President Kindiki underscored the importance of healthy ecosystems to Kenya’s food security, water resources and economic development.

“A good, sound and healthy environment is good for the community,” he said.

He commended the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme for placing local communities at the centre of forest restoration efforts, noting that conservation initiatives are more sustainable when they deliver tangible economic and social benefits.

“It is very important to involve the local community in the conservation of the environment. I have seen many livelihood improvement projects that will help the people of Kaptagat put money in their pockets — Pesa Mfukoni,” Kindiki said.

The programme has implemented projects that expand access to clean water and energy while creating income-generating opportunities and improving livelihoods for communities living around the forest.

National Treasury Principal Secretary and KICP Patron Dr Chris Kiptoo said the initiative had demonstrated that environmental conservation could catalyze 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,” he said.

A Decade of Conservation Through Sport

This year’s marathon was held under the broader theme, “10 to 20: Restore. Sustain. Transform.”

The theme celebrated a decade of conservation achievements while launching a new phase focused on scaling up forest restoration, water security, clean energy adoption and sustainable livelihood programmes.

Over the past 10 years, the Kaptagat Forest Marathon has evolved beyond a sporting competition into a nationally recognised platform for environmental conservation, healthy living and community engagement.

Organisers said the next decade of the programme will focus on accelerating community-led forest restoration while strengthening sustainable development initiatives across the Kaptagat ecosystem.

Read Also: Samson And Lydia Win The 26th Edition Of The Lewa Safari Marathon