Maina, Njeri Triumph In 2026 Kilimambogo Trail Marathon As Athi River Welcomes Conservation Efforts
A participant receives his medal during the 2026 Kilimambogo Trail Marathon held in Ol Donyo Sabuk, Machakos County, at the weekend. PHOTO/ KILIMAMBOGO TRAIL MARATHON
OL DONYO SABUK, Machakos County- Edward Maina and Leah Njeri are the winners of the 2026 Kilimambogo Trail Marathon held in Ol Donyo Sabuk in Machakos County at the weekend.
Daisy Munga and Tracy Maina came second and third behind Njeri while George Wafula and Gedion Mule finished in that order in the hotly contested men’s category that flawless Maina dominated.
Participants during the 2026 Kilimambogo Trail Marathon held in Ol Donyo Sabuk, Machakos County, at the weekend. PHOTO/ KILIMAMBOGO TRAIL MARATHON
The 2026 edition of the race brought together runners, conservation champions, and nature lovers for a unique trail running experience dedicated to protecting the River Athi ecosystem and promoting domestic tourism.
The event featured 5K, 10K Trail Run, and 21K Half Marathon races beginning at the banks of River Athi, where participants did riparian tree planting courtesy of 100 seedlings donated by Kenya Forest Service, Machakos County, and 5,000 Seedballs from Seedballs Kenya shared to Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park.
Conservation efforts to protect River Athi during the 2026 Kilimambogo Trail Marathon held in Ol Donyo Sabuk, Machakos County, at the weekend. PHOTO/ KILIMAMBOGO TRAIL MARATHON
Runners took on the breathtaking trails of Mt. Kilimambogo from the banks of River Athi through Ol Donyo town to Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park wading through nature trails at Mavia Mavyu, Rock Hyrax, Observation Point, and Macmillan before reaching the summit and finishing at Turaco Campsite with support of KWS rangers on respective track points.
Speaking during the event, Mwanahamisi Twalib, Warden of Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park expressed her support towards the Kilimambogo Trail Marathon into being a signature annual event
“We value this partnership and look forward to continued collaboration in promoting conservation, responsible tourism, and memorable experiences at Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park. This is a destination where everyone can come, explore, enjoy, and appreciate nature,” she quipped.
The event concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing winners and as well celebrating every finisher with a medal.
Participants during the 2026 Kilimambogo Trail Marathon held in Ol Donyo Sabuk, Machakos County, at the weekend. PHOTO/ KILIMAMBOGO TRAIL MARATHON
In the 5k Lamwel Ndanga was first in the male category while Cynthia Omwega was first in the female category. Joseph Muinduko came first in the 10K male category while Nyawira Maina took 1st position in women category.
Stephen Mutinda, the Director of East Trail Sports Series Ltd that organised the Kilimambogo Trail Marathon said this was a recreational run after July 18 Pre-launch and is among other planned out trail series that aim at curating unique nature trail experiences to evoke love and care for nature and ecosystems.
Some of the participants who took part in the 2026 Kilimambogo Trail Marathon held in Ol Donyo Sabuk, Machakos County, at the weekend. PHOTO/ KILIMAMBOGO TRAIL MARATHON
Kenya hosts multiple road races but Kilimambogo Trail Marathon has the opportunity to
stand out as a premier trail marathon in East Africa owing to its elevation gain of up to 916M. It favorably competes among recognizable trails in Africa combining endurance sport with authentic experience under the theme Strides for a cleaner future.
