Karen Young Runners clocked 2 hours 46 minutes and 15 seconds to clinch the sixth edition of the ABSA Life Nairobi Marathon Relay 2025 that was held in Nairobi on Saturday morning.
They beat Spartans Vanguards who recorded three hours 19 minutes and 20 seconds to emerge second. Leisurely Leopards finished third, recording 3 hours 21 minutes and 1 second at the event that was graced by 200 teams.
Speaking after guiding his team to victory, an elated John Njori said: “It was such a well-organised event. My team and I enjoyed the race. Coming into this competition, we knew that it was going to be difficult considering the names that had signed up for the race. However, with our early preparations and teamwork, we have cruised to victory. A hearty congratulation to all the other participants who came out to run today.”
In the ladies’ teams, Warembo wa Badeq clocked 2 hours 52 minutes and 49 seconds to bag the women’s category. Run and Lift 105 were second after clocking 2 hours 55 minutes and 10 seconds. All men teams saw Trafford SportsWear claim victory, recording 2 hours 29 minutes and 12 seconds. Badeq Shop 010 finished second registering 2 hours 29 minutes and 42 seconds.
The first edition of the Nairobi Marathon Relay was held in 2021. The event hosted 22 teams with a restriction due to the pandemic. Since then, it has been inspired by strong themes and has seen tremendous growth, with participants drawn from corporate teams, running clubs, and partnerships with sponsors. It attracted 40 teams in 2022 while the 2023 edition saw 40 teams competing.
“This event is especially meaningful for us at Absa Life, not just as the title sponsor of the 2025 Nairobi Relay Marathon, but because we’re also celebrating a big milestone, our 10th anniversary,” ABSA Life Assurance managing director Waiguru Githanji said.
“Just like many of you on the marathon course today, our journey hasn’t always been easy. We’ve faced hurdles, adjusted our stride, and kept pushing forward. But every challenge has made us stronger, and every milestone reminds us why we do this. We will continue partnering with FWD in the future to inspire millions of athletics enthusiasts.”
The event, which kicked off at exactly 6.30am, saw each team have a total of six members and every member ran one circuit of 7.2km before handing over the baton to the next person. Runners from corporates, running clubs, and sponsors featured in the competitive showpiece
