Plan Your Nairobi Marathon Stay at Karen Plains Hotel
The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon 2026 takes place on Sunday 25 October, with the race centred on the Southern Bypass area. Whether you are running the 42km, the 21km, the 10km or joining a corporate team, Karen Plains Hotel is a comfortable base in Karen, south-west Nairobi, for a well-rested race weekend. Come for the race. Let us help with the rest.
Check availability & book direct Ask your KPH concierge on WhatsApp
- Race day: Sunday 25 October 2026
- Southern Bypass area (2026 start/finish to be confirmed by the organiser)
- Hotel in Karen, south-west Nairobi
- Check-in from 12:00 · check-out by 10:00
- Breakfast from 7:00 · packed breakfast on request
Why runners and supporters stay with us
An easy night before the start line. Our 24/7 front desk means a late Friday or Saturday arrival is no trouble. Lay out your kit and sleep.
Breakfast that fits your race plan. Our breakfast runs from 7:00, which is likely to be after you need to leave on race morning. Ask for a packed breakfast the evening before, and tell us your race-morning plan.
Somewhere good for the people cheering you on. Partners and friends can spend Saturday at the Giraffe Centre, stroll to the Waterfront Karen mall a few steps away, and enjoy Kenyan, Swahili and traditional African food with you after the race.
Rooms for your stay
A freestanding bathtub for a long, unhurried soak on Sunday afternoon.
Deluxe Room with Bathtub and Balcony
Private balcony and freestanding bathtub. Our most requested room, ideal for a runner and supporter.
A private balcony for a quiet coffee on Saturday while you rest your legs.
Running with a club or company team? Our standard rooms and the One Bedroom Apartment give flexible options. Balconies and bathtubs are in selected categories only. Some of our premium rooms have a hot tub. Ask us which are free for your dates.
Your trip, personally arranged
| Service | Who provides it | How it's priced |
|---|---|---|
| Airport transfers | KPH, private vehicle | Per vehicle, one way: JKIA sedan US$55 (up to 3), JKIA 4×4 US$95 (up to 6). See airport transfers |
| Packed breakfast for race morning | KPH kitchen | On request; ask when you check in |
| Race-morning transport | To be discussed with KPH | Not confirmed; share your timings and we will tell you what we can arrange |
| Lunch and dinner | KPH kitchen | US$40 per day for both meals |
| Laundry for race kit | KPH | Wash, dry and fold, US$20 per bag |
| Spa visit after the race | Manama Spa & Barbershop (partner, off-site) | Treatments booked and paid with Manama; free pickup and drop-off for staying guests |
Sample race weekend (not the official programme)
- Friday: arrive, check in from 12:00, early dinner.
- Saturday: collect your bib and race kit where and when the organiser specifies. Rest and order a packed breakfast.
- Sunday 25 October: leave early for the start with your packed breakfast. Run your race. Check-out is by 10:00, so if you want to come back and shower, book Sunday night. Late check-out is not confirmed in advance, so ask us.
- Monday: an easy day with a Giraffe Centre visit, a Nairobi National Park tour, or a spa visit before you fly.
Getting to the start from Karen
The 2026 start and finish points, bib collection details and road closures had not been confirmed on the organiser's site when we checked. Please follow the official race information and plan your route once it is published. Plan for possible road closures and busy race-morning roads. Journey times vary with Nairobi traffic; check a live traffic app for your schedule. Transport can be discussed and quoted on request.
Stay a little longer
- Giraffe Centre tour: a gentle outing for supporters or a post-race Monday.
- Nairobi National Park half-day tour: wildlife on the edge of the city.
- Manama partner spa: an optional, relaxing treat, booked separately.
- Dinner at Cave à Manger, in Karen Plains Arcade opposite the Waterfront.
What guests say
"What truly makes this hotel unique is the staff — always smiling, always ready to help, and they genuinely make you feel welcome."Amir, United States · Booking.com
Questions
Can I get breakfast before the race?
Breakfast is served from 7:00. For an earlier departure, ask for a packed breakfast the evening before.
Can you take me to the start?
Race-morning transport is not a confirmed service. Share your timings and we will discuss options with you.
Can I keep my room after the race?
Check-out is by 10:00. Late check-out is not confirmed in advance, so ask us, or book Sunday night. Luggage storage is available.
Can you help with a corporate running team?
Yes. We can be one contact for your group and help with the rooming list, invoices and receipts. See group stays.
Book your race weekend in Karen
Your Nairobi stay, personally taken care of. Choose your own nights, including any after race day.
Check availability & book direct
Ask your KPH concierge on WhatsApp or email info@karenplainshotel.com.
Live rates and availability are shown in our booking engine. Extras such as transfers, meals, tours and spa visits are quoted and confirmed separately.
Cancellation and prepayment terms depend on the rate you choose and are shown before you pay. See our cancellation and refund policy.
Planning further: Planning your arrival, race morning and hotel stay · Corporate running team checklist · Group stays · Couples in Karen · Plan your stay
Event details checked on the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon website and Citizen Digital in September 2026. Please confirm the latest programme with the organiser. Karen Plains Hotel is independent and not affiliated with Standard Chartered or the race organisers. Race entry is separate from accommodation.
Karen Plains Hotel, Karen Plains Arcade, Karen Plains Road, Karen, Nairobi · +254 796 989 928 · info@karenplainshotel.com