Sports For Nature: The Northern Kenya Half Marathon

Overview

In Northern Kenya’s sweeping rangelands, a new kind of race is taking shape—one that doesn’t just chase finish lines but also chases purpose. The Northern Kenya Half Marathon, held for the second time this year-under the Transforming Talents, Transforming Lives, is far more than a sporting event. It is a bold expression of how local communities, especially youth, are turning sport into a powerful tool for collective conservation, climate resilience, and cultural empowerment. Hosted in Laikipia County for the second time, the half marathon brings together youth, elders, athletes, conservationists, and local leaders for one shared purpose: to run for nature. With each step, runners raise awareness about the urgent need to protect dryland forests like Mukogodo, conserve wildlife corridors, and support indigenous and pastoralist communities facing climate threats. The event doesn’t just draw professional runners—it invites school teams, community groups, and young climate activists to take part, making it a true grassroots celebration of local pride and environmental stewardship.

Global Frameworks, Local Action

The event draws inspiration from the Sports for Nature Framework, launched at COP15 in Montreal by UNEP, IUCN, IOC, and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. This global initiative calls on the world of sport to actively contribute to the protection and restoration of nature. Northern Kenya’s marathon does just that—locally, creatively, and inclusively. It showcases how community empowerment, youth engagement, and nature-positive sport can work hand in hand.

The Northern Kenya Half Marathon seeks to contribute to broader UN sustainability goals - redefining sport as a platform for environmental diplomacy and youth-led advocacy. These frameworks include:

• The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030)

• SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land)

• Article 56 of Kenya’s Constitution, promoting cultural inclusion and minority rights

Join the Race for Nature

The Northern Kenya is an annual event that takes place in May in different locations across Northern Kenya. You can plan, prepare and join this ground event every to support community conservation, empower talents and contribute to global sustainability efforts.

"When we run for nature, we don’t just change the finish line, We change the future"
~ Jacob Ruso - Director, The Northern Kenya Half Marathon.

Learn more on:

YouTube

The Northern Kenya Half Marathon Impact Gallery

Connect with our impact gallery of The Northern Kenya Half Marathon 2025