The 2025 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon delivered a thrilling showcase of endurance on October 26, as top athletes battled it out on the streets of Nairobi under ideal racing conditions. This year’s event, one of the premier marathons on the African continent, once again attracted a deep field of elite talent.
Among the day’s standout performances was Donald Kimaru, a KATA athlete training out of the Kapcherop KATA Running Camp, who finished a remarkable 4th place in a highly competitive men’s race.
Donald Kimaru: Fuelled by KATA, Ready for the Global Stage
Clocking a time of 2:12:02, Kimaru finished just over a minute behind the winner, Benard Chepkowny (2:11:01), and less than 30 seconds from the podium. It was a huge breakthrough for the rising long-distance runner, who trains under the high-altitude guidance of Coach Philemon Kipruto at the KATA facility in Kapcherop.
“Donald is showing the power of patience and consistency,” Coach Kipruto noted. “We’ve known he had the potential, and now he’s proving it in one of Kenya’s most important races.”
Chepkwony, returning to major competition, wasted no time asserting his intent. He set a strong pace from the start, joined by Silas Chesang, Donald Kimaru, Ezekiel Kemboi, Bethwel Chemuno, and Wilfred Kiplagat, all determined to stay in contention.
As the race progressed past the 30km mark, Chepkwony maintained the lead despite Chesang mounting a late push after struggling on the uphill sections.
Chepkwony’s endurance and composure carried him through to the finish line, clocking an impressive 2:11:01 to seal his comeback victory.
Kimaru trains in an environment designed to create champions, where runners combine disciplined training with the nutritional strength of KATA Potatoes – The Fuel of Champions. His performance in Nairobi is a testament to this holistic approach. Donald had placed second at the KATA Double Road Race 15k held September 20 in Thika.
Top 10 Elite Men – 2025 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon
1. Benard Chepkowny – KEN – 2:11:01 (first photo)
2. Alex Chepkwik Saekwo – KEN – 2:11:26
3. Ezekiel Kemboi Omullo – KEN – 2:11:40
4. Donald Kimaru – KEN – 2:12:02
5. Wilfred Kiplagat – UGA – 2:13:42
6. Charles Kimeli – KEN – 2:14:08
7. Nehemiah Kiprono Sang – KEN – 2:14:38
8. Solomon Yego – KEN – 2:14:50
9. Dennis Kipkemboi Koech – KEN – 2:15:39
10. Silas Chesang Keitany – KEN – 2:15:51
Women’s Race Highlight
In the women’s marathon, Hellen Chepkorir dominated with a powerful performance, finishing in 2:27:17 at an average pace of 3:30/km.
KATA’s Impact Growing
Donald Kimaru’s top finish adds to the growing list of success stories emerging from the KATA Running Camp ecosystem. Founded by Bob Anderson, KATA is reshaping the Kenyan distance running scene with over 30 camps across the country, combining elite training with a sustainable agricultural model. Runners like Donald are not only developing as athletes but also helping uplift their communities.
Next for Donald? A potential international marathon debut in 2026, where he’ll look to break the 2:10 barrier and cement his name among Kenya’s top marathoners.