Isiolo Peace Run 21KM 24th May 2026 — Running Towards Peace and Unity in Northern Kenya.
Isiolo Peace Run Unites Northern Kenya Communities Through Sport
Hundreds of athletes, peace ambassadors, and community members gathered in Isiolo County for the annual Isiolo Peace Run, an event designed to promote peace, dialogue, and reconciliation among pastoralist communities across northern Kenya.
Organized by the Regional Pastoralist Peace Link (RPPL), this year’s event attracted participants from Isiolo, Marsabit, Meru, Laikipia, and Samburu counties, reflecting a growing commitment to strengthening peaceful coexistence through sport.
The Peace Run featured both 21-kilometre and 10-kilometre races, drawing professional athletes, amateur runners, and youth eager to compete while championing a shared message of unity.
Speaking during the event, organizers emphasized that the marathon has become more than a sporting competition. It serves as a platform where athletics and peacebuilding intersect, bringing together communities that have historically experienced inter-community conflicts over resources, grazing land, and water.
The initiative particularly targets young people, including morans (young warriors), encouraging them to channel their energy into healthy competition, teamwork, and constructive engagement instead of conflict. Through sport, participants build friendships across ethnic lines and demonstrate that lasting peace can be achieved through dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation.
Beyond promoting social cohesion, the marathon also provided a valuable opportunity to identify and nurture emerging athletic talent from marginalized and pastoralist regions. Many participants viewed the event as a stepping stone to national and international competitions, while simultaneously serving as ambassadors for peace in their communities.
Organizers noted that the continued success of the Isiolo Peace Run highlights the important role that sports can play in fostering reconciliation, strengthening community relationships, and inspiring hope for a more peaceful and united northern Kenya.
As runners crossed the finish line, the event delivered a powerful message: peace is not only possible but can be built one step at a time through unity, understanding, and shared purpose.
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Official 21km Men’s Results
1.Alex Kiplangat 1:01:29
2 Joshua Ekeno 1:01:44
3. Denis Cherotich 1:02:01
4. Jacob Wanjuki 1:02:15
5. Samwel Ekiru 1:02:34
6. Stephen Kamar 1:02:38
7. Erick Chemusto1:03:15
8. Gilbert Kamutwire 1:03:36
9. Abraham Kiplimo1:04:52
10. Mark Kiptoo 1:05:00
Official 21km Women’s Results
1.Fridah Rerimoi 1:14:23
2.Winny Chebet 1:15:21
3.Caren Jerop 1:16:31
4. Esther Chemtai 1:18:04,
5. Vivian Rop 1:18:08
6. Joan Jemutai 1:18:33
7. Violet Jepkemboi 1:19:58
8. Violah Kosgei 1:20:03
9. Violah Kosgei 1:20:03
10. Gladys Cheboi Jeruto 1:21:05
Environmental and Social Impact
This year’s event was not only about running but also about sustainability. Participants took part in tree planting activities across Isiolo County, symbolizing growth, hope, and a shared responsibility to protect the environment. In addition, community-police engagement sessions promoted transparency, trust, and cooperatio
Empowering Youth
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 2026 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.