Running is more than a sport, it’s a statement. On 18th July 2026, the Kilimambogo Trail Marathon invites runners, families, and communities to lace up not just for fitness, but for a cause that touches every life: a cleaner, healthier future is more than a race. It is a call to action: every stride taken is a pledge to restore our rivers, protect our towns, and secure a cleaner future for us and generations to come.
Why it Matters
Athi River, sits at the foot of Mt. Kilimambogo, draining from Nairobi, carries industrial, sewage toxicity and debris that threaten the ecosystem and communities downstream.
NEMA and environment experts note that there is increasing pressure of population and environmental degradation, data indicating that over 60% waste water from urban and industrial sources in the upper Athi basin is discharged with minimal treatment.
This compromises water quality posing health risks to communities depending on Athi Water for agriculture and daily needs alike aquatic life (hippos, fish and crocodiles) all way into Galana River inside Tsavo East National park. Just 100 metres ahead lies the iconic 14 Falls, a tourism jewel whose appeal is affected by toxic waters and waste debris. Combined with seasonal flooding across Kilimambogo and Ol Donyo Sabuk Town, the need for riparian restoration has never been greater. Tree planting along River Athi banks herein referred to as Riparian tree planting is a proven solution – that serves to stabilize riverbanks, reduce soil erosion, and detoxify industrial runoff, filtering pollutants, and creating resilient green buffers against floods.
For River Athi basin riparian rehabilitation we will be doing ecologically suitable species for this zone that will include Cordia Africana, Bamboo, Fig (Mugumo), and indigenous trees. These efforts actively support the national directive to plant 15 billion trees by 2032 a cornerstone of Kenya’s climate resilience strategy.
We are operating within the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) adhering to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) guidelines and wetland regulations.
Residents in Mavoko Embracing Bamboo Planting along River Athi to Combat Pollution ( Not own Image – As seen in Media: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1508432517311162 )
How to Get Involved
You don’t have to be a marathon runner to make an impact. Here’s how you can join the movement collaborating with local Initiatives for community-led planting drives. Get your ticket on www.kilimambogotrailmarathon.org or on Little Events to participate and we’ll provide you with everything else you need including ferrying you from Nairobi CBD to the marathon venue and back for free incase you are wondering how!
Its just 80KM from Nairobi Using Thika Road so you may as well drive there, a perfect road trip plot with a cause for you and gang.
A Stride for a Cleaner Future
The marathon route winds through Ol Donyo Sabuk Town and the running trails covering elevation parts of Kilimambogo Mountain inside Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park. By combining the marathon’s energy with ecosystem intervention measures we transform sport into stewardship. Each runner’s stride symbolizes resilience, and each seedling planted secures a cleaner Athi River, a safer Ol Donyo Sabuk, and a brighter tomorrow
Sign up Today and be part of the Movement!