Nairobi motorists should brace for traffic disruptions this weekend as police implement road closures and diversions ahead of the 23rd edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon on Sunday, October 25.
The closures will begin at 11pm on Saturday, October 24, and are expected to end at 1.30pm on Sunday to facilitate the race and ensure the safety of runners and other road users.
The marathon will start and finish at Uhuru Gardens, with runners using sections of the Southern Bypass, Lang’ata Road and Ngong Road, including stretches near Nairobi National Park.
The event will feature seven categories: the 42km full marathon, 21km half marathon, 10km road race, 21km wheelchair race, 5km family fun run, CEO Challenge and Corporate Challenge.
The full and half marathon routes will take runners along the Southern Bypass and sections of Lang’ata Road and Ngong Road before looping back to Uhuru Gardens.
The 10km race will follow the Southern Bypass, with a crossover section near Nairobi National Park and NHC Lang’ata before returning to the starting point.
The 5km race will also use the Southern Bypass, with runners crossing towards Lang’ata about 2.1km from the start before rejoining the bypass to complete the course.
The closures will affect sections of the Southern Bypass and its interchanges with Dagoretti Road, Ngong Road, Lang’ata Road and Mombasa Road.
Motorists travelling between Kikuyu, Karen, Dagoretti, Lang’ata and Mombasa Road have been advised to use alternative routes.
Those travelling from Karen Shopping Centre to Kikuyu should use Dagoretti Road, while motorists heading from Karen to Mombasa Road should use Lang’ata Road.
Drivers travelling from Lang’ata Road near Galleria Mall to Kikuyu should use Dagoretti Road via Lang’ata Road. Those heading to Mombasa Road should use Uhuru Highway through Lang’ata Road.
Motorists travelling from the Inland Container Depot to Kikuyu should use Waiyaki Way via Mombasa Road or Uhuru Highway.
Vehicles heading from Mombasa Road to Emara Ole-Sereni should access the area through Nextgen Mall, while those travelling from Likoni Road to Mombasa Road should use Enterprise Road.
Drivers travelling from Kikuyu to Mombasa Road via Dagoretti have been advised to use Waiyaki Way.
Motorists heading from Lenana Road along Ngong Road to Kikuyu should use Waiyaki Way via Naivasha Road or James Gichuru Road. Those travelling to Mombasa Road should use Lang’ata Road through Karen Road.
Trailers and lorries heading towards Mombasa Road via the Southern Bypass should use Waiyaki Way.
Nairobi Traffic Commandant Joseph Chirchir said police had worked with the marathon organisers to plan diversions aimed at reducing disruption and ensuring road safety.
“We have worked with the marathon organisers to plan traffic diversions that will help minimise disruption and keep road users safe during the event. We urge motorists to plan their journeys in advance, use the designated alternative routes and comply with instructions from traffic officers,” he said.
The organisers said this year’s marathon would feature route activations, designated spectator zones, misting stations, mobile medical units, pacing teams and cheering squads.
Hydration points, nutrition and electrolytes will also be available along the course to support runners.
Marathon Local Organising Committee chairperson David Mwindi urged participants and motorists to familiarise themselves with the race schedule and road closure notice to plan their movements in advance.
“We have put measures in place to improve the race-day experience for runners and spectators while supporting the safe movement of people around the course,” he said.
