NAIROBI, KENYA – Hellen Chepkorir, a 31-year-old athlete from Kapsabet, delivered a commanding performance to win the women’s 42-kilometre race at the 22nd edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon on Sunday, October 26, 2025. Crossing the finish line at Uhuru Gardens in 2 hours, 27 minutes, and 17 seconds, Chepkorir not only claimed her first major marathon victory but also the KSh 2 million winner's prize. The win marks a significant milestone for the athlete, who immediately declared her ambition to compete in the World Marathon Majors.

"This is my first victory since I completed a full marathon in 2016 from track. In fact, this is my best earnings ever," an elated Chepkorir stated shortly after her win, as reported on October 26, 2025. "It shows that I am ready for the World Marathon Majors next year." Chepkorir specifically mentioned the Boston Marathon as a future goal, noting that her training in the hilly terrain of Kapsabet, under the guidance of her coach Richard Mutai, would be ideal preparation for the notoriously challenging Boston course.

The race unfolded as a tactical battle among a lead pack of elite Kenyan runners. Supported by pacemakers, a group including Chepkorir, Naomy Chepkorir, and Scholastica Jepkemboi maintained a strong pace through the first half of the race, which was run primarily along Nairobi's Southern Bypass. By the 25-kilometre mark, Hellen Chepkorir made a decisive move, taking charge of the race and never relinquishing her lead. Her strategic execution paid off as she finished 20 seconds ahead of Iten-based Naomy Chepkorir, who clocked 2:27:37 for second place, while Scholastica Jepkemboi of Kapsabet secured third with a time of 2:29:18.

A Springboard for Kenyan Talent

The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, a World Athletics Label Road Race, has long served as a crucial platform for discovering and elevating Kenyan running talent onto the global stage. This year's event, which attracted a record field of over 32,000 participants across various race categories, underscored its significance in the nation's sporting calendar. The marathon's theme, "Run for a Reason," also highlights its charitable impact, with proceeds supporting the Futuremakers by Standard Chartered initiative, which focuses on youth empowerment.

Chepkorir's victory is a testament to the marathon's role as a career catalyst. Her previous marathon personal best, according to her World Athletics profile, was 2:34:16, set in 2017. Her winning time in Nairobi represents a massive improvement, signaling her readiness to compete at a higher level. Her performance follows a consistent year, including a fourth-place finish at the Nairobi City Marathon in July and a second-place finish at the Porto Alegre Marathon in Brazil in April.

In the men's 42km race, Iten-based Bernard Chepkwony made a triumphant return to the sport, winning his maiden Nairobi Marathon title in 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 1 second. Alex Chepkwik Saekwo (2:11:26) and Ezekiel Kemboi Omullo (2:11:40) finished second and third, respectively.

National Significance and Future Outlook

Athletics Kenya (AK) officials have consistently endorsed the marathon as a cornerstone of the country's athletics development. The event's international recognition and the high level of competition provide an essential domestic stage for athletes to gain experience and attract international managers and race invitations. While a specific statement from AK on Chepkorir's win was not immediately available, the organization's verification of all elite athletes underscores the race's integrity and importance.

For athletes like Chepkorir, the Nairobi Marathon is more than just a race; it is a gateway. The substantial prize money provides vital financial support for training and living expenses, while the victory itself is a powerful addition to her athletic portfolio. As she plans her next steps with coach Richard Mutai, the Kenyan athletics community will be watching closely to see if this dominant performance in Nairobi will, as she hopes, pave her way to the starting line of the Boston Marathon and beyond. Her victory on home soil is a powerful narrative of persistence and a clear signal of a new contender emerging from Kenya's seemingly endless reservoir of world-class marathon talent.