Isiolo Peace Marathon 2025 — Running Towards Peace and Unity in Northern Kenya
The Isiolo Peace Marathon 2025, held in Isiolo County, Kenya, once again lived up to its mission of promoting peace, dialogue, and reconciliation among pastoralist communities in northern Kenya. Organized by the Regional Pastoralist Peace Link (RPPL), this year’s event attracted hundreds of runners, peace ambassadors, and community members from counties such as Isiolo, Marsabit, Meru, Laikipia, and Samburu.
The marathon continues to serve as a unique platform where sports meet peacebuilding, encouraging unity among ethnic groups that have long faced inter-community conflict. Through running, the event inspires young people particularly morans (young warriors) to channel their energy into constructive competition and collaboration.
Highlights of the 2025 Isiolo Peace Marathon
The Isiolo Peace Run featured 21km and 10km races, drawing elite and local athletes who ran not only for victory but also for a shared cause peaceful coexistence. In addition to the race, the event included tree planting initiatives, community-police open days, and dialogue forums designed to build trust between communities and law enforcement, while promoting alternative dispute resolution methods. The marathon also served as a platform to nurture emerging talent, providing runners from marginalized and pastoralist regions the opportunity to showcase their skills on a national stage while spreading the message that peace is achievable through unity and understanding.
Official 21km Women’s Results
- Fridah Rerimoi – 1:11:02
- Winny Chebet – 1:11:50
- Esther Chemtai – 1:12:15
- Martha Wangui – 1:12:33
- Joan Jemutai – 1:13:03
- Gladys Chichi – 1:13:46
- Lucy Nyokabi – 1:14:01
- Violah Kosgey – 1:14:50
- Vivian Rop – 1:15:13
- Caren Jerop – 1:15:30
Official 21km Men’s Results
- Joshua Kithuku – 1:02:10
- Nahashon Kipsang – 1:02:22
- Dylan Kamar – 1:02:34
- Joshua Ekeno – 1:02:48
- Evans Kipkorir – 1:02:55
- Stephen Loruo – 1:03:01
- Kenneth Kithinji – 1:04:13
- Felix Kirong – 1:04:17
- James Kangogo – 1:04:24
- Jackson Lyiale – 1:04:25
Empowering Youth and Promoting Peace
Through initiatives like the Isiolo Peace Marathon, RPPL continues to provide alternatives to violence by engaging young people in activities that promote discipline, teamwork, and leadership. The event demonstrates that peace can be built from the ground up — one dialogue, one handshake, and one stride at a time. The marathon’s success has also reinforced the importance of sports as a peacebuilding tool, offering opportunities for youth to develop their talents and secure potential economic benefits through athletics.
Looking Ahead
The Isiolo Peace Marathon 2025 stands as a testament to the power of sports in transforming communities and rewriting narratives of conflict into stories of cooperation. With continued support from partners such as the Regional Pastoralist Peace Link (RPPL), the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT), and other peace and development organizations, the future of peacebuilding through athletics in northern Kenya looks promising. As the runners crossed the finish line, the message was clear: peace wins when we run together.
