More than 3,500 cyclists from over 20 nationalities will battle it out in the Jubilee Insurance Grand Nairobi Bike Race on Sunday starting at Nyayo National Stadium. Temporary road closures began at midnight, and reopen at 1pm on Sunday.
The Jubilee Live Free Race will feature various categories including the main race that will cover 75km, Black Mamba (45km), Para Cycling (45km), Family Fun Ride (15km), and Kiddie Race.
Winners will receive cash prizes totalling Sh4 million, up from Sh3 million last year.
Races will start at Nyayo National Stadium at 6am, hit Bunyala Road then Lower Hill Road on to Haile Selassie Avenue and Kenyatta Avenue. They will then take Uhuru Highway, turn to Langata Road on to Douglas Wakiihuri Road.
Environmental conservation
The race christened “Jubilee Live Free Race” has grown significantly, providing a competitive platform for cyclists and serving to promote physical activity, holistic wellbeing and environmental conservation.
Jubilee Insurance Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Caroline Ndung’u disclosed that Charles Kagimu and Monica Chelimo will be defending their titles.
Last year, the race attracted 2,000 cyclists from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Europe and the United States of America.
Jubilee Insurance forked out Sh20 million towards the fourth edition of the event, bringing the total investment to more than Sh100million in cash and kind since inception in 2022.
Ndung’u said this edition is promoting physical mobility for children and protecting the environment.
“Over the last three years, we have seen the Jubilee Live Free Race grow in scale, diversity and impact, touching lives both on and off track,” said Ndung’u.
“This event highlights the power of sport to unite people and drive transformative change in our community.”
Ndung’u revealed that the race will advance environmental stewardship by planting kitchen gardens, food towers and fruit trees and restoring water towers in marginalized community schools, helping create healthier spaces and providing food security for needy schools.
The Race Village will be located at Nyayo Stadium and will be open to the public, designed to accommodate families, children, and cycling fans alike.
For those not cycling, the day will still be full of entertainment. The stage will feature live performances from Charisma and Vijana Baru Baru, alongside other family-friendly activities, ensuring a vibrant celebration for everyone.
Grand Nairobi Bike Race Director Desmond Momanyi highlighted the remarkable growth of the Jubilee Live Free Race describing it as a homegrown initiative that has blossomed to an international event.
Momanyi acknowledged the vital role of strategic partnerships, including Kenya Cycling Federation (KCF), Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) as well as the County Government of Nairobi in elevating the profile of cycling in the region.
