The first event of the 2026 Friends of Karura Forest Race Series was off to a flying start as hundreds of enthusiastic runners started the New Year with a 5km or 10km trail.

January’s 5km run was won by FKF Scout Felix whilst his colleague, FKF Scout Peter Kipsang came in second.

“Running through Karura is part of our everyday life as scouts,” said Felix who also won the 5km FKF Anniversary Race in September last year. “Winning the 5km wasn’t just about speed – it was about consistency, teamwork, and the motivation we get from protecting this forest together.”

FKF Forest Scouts, when not participating, play an active role during the race series by assisting with route guidance, safety, and coordination along the trails.

The races, organised in partnership with Nairobi running shop, Run Beyond, Team Jasho and Kenya Forest Service (KFS), are held on the third or fourth Sunday of each month and include a 3 km run for children. The first season of races up until May are full, with second season entries opening on 18 May. Full details are available on the series website.

Last year the first season of five races recorded 1,370 finishes from runners aged from 5 to over 70 years, while the second season recorded 1,147 finishes. All routes followed well-marked looped trails within the forest, and participants include runners, joggers, walkers and those with babies and dogs.

Each race day begin with a fun warm-up session to music and ends with refreshments including snacks, fruit and drinks provided free by sponsors. The partners and sponsors include White Cap Crisp, Spring Valley Coffee, Healthy U, Le Grenier à Pain, Garmin, The QuickFix, After Six, USN, and ARR who contribute to race organisation, runner welfare, and post-run refreshments.