Electrical engineer Peter Kamau has just returned home after a one-week adventure in the UAE. When I meet the 45-year-old, he is exactly what you’d expect a man who only eats plant-based protein and never skips a workout to look like. He is cooling down on a treadmill at a gym along Kiambu Road.
“I was in Dubai for a week. I participated in the Dubai Marathon, and now I’m back, preparing for another marathon in Hawaii in September,” he tells me.
Kamau, who runs an average of 200 kilometres every week, is part of a growing wave of Kenyan recreational runners sometimes dubbed ‘tourist marathoners.’
They are not elite athletes chasing podium finishes for a living. Instead, they are middle-aged professionals transforming their passion for fitness into a carefully planned tourism agenda.
They travel to tourist destinations specifically for races, seeking to conquer their fears and set new personal fitness records, all while exploring new cities. For them, marathons are no longer just sporting events; they are lifestyle experiences wrapped in high-end, leisure-driven travel.
But fancy as it may sound, there is always a price to pay. The runners go through months of gruelling training schedules to reach peak conditions, all for the thrill of the race, the joy of travel, and the satisfaction of ticking another city off their running map.
And then there’s the financial cost. For this fast-growing community — now more than 300 Kenyan recreational runners strong — the sacrifices are real. Personal savings are stretched. Loans are sometimes taken. A single race trip can cost anywhere between Sh300,000 and Sh2 million. But many insist it is a worthwhile investment.
“For Dubai, I set aside about Sh300,000 for seven days. A 30-day visa costs Sh15,000. Then you book your round-trip ticket for around Sh65,000. The trick is monitoring prices and booking early when discounts come up,” Kamau says, adding that it is much easier to travel as a group.
“I know about 100 Kenyans going for a run in South Africa, and Kenya Airways has given them an offer of Sh40,000 for a return ticket instead of the usual Sh90,000,” he says.
Accommodation is where costs can spiral quickly, which is why hotels are rarely Kamau’s first option.
“Hotels are expensive. Airbnb is the best alternative. From Sh60,000 to Sh110,000 you can get a good place for five to six days. It is even cheaper if you stay farther from the race venue. And if you’re travelling as a group and cost-sharing, the price drops even more.”
One of his favourite “race hacks” happened in Spain.
“I participated in a race in Madrid, but I stayed in Valencia which is four hours away. It is a beautiful small town, scenic and well designed. My return ticket to Spain cost about Sh110,000, and I spent around Sh100,000 on accommodation for seven days in Valencia. Two days to the race, I took a train to Madrid and stayed there for two days.”
He says most of Europe’s transport networks make movement easy and affordable, and visas can sometimes open up entire regions.
“With the Schengen Visa, you can enter several countries. That’s another trick. Look out for races happening in the same region so you don't have to keep spending money on Visa, which can be very expensive,” he adds.
Amos displays his medal after completing Boston Marathon in 2023.
Photo credit: Pool
There is also the occasional bonus of prize money. Kamau prefers races that rewards recreational runners.
“In Dubai, I won in my age category and got Sh300,000. I’ll use that to prepare for my next race.”
Kamau’s next target is the Kauai Marathon in Hawaii this September — famed for its oceanfront views and breathtaking beaches. For Dr Boniface Oyugi, 39, these race adventures have become family holidays in motion. Sometimes he travels alone, but whenever he can, he brings his wife and daughter along.
“I think it’s beautiful that they get to see the world with me,” he says.
Last year, for his birthday, Dr Oyugi ran the Berlin Marathon and his family.
“When I’m running, I have peace of mind and time to reflect and craft solutions. My family often tags along, although they never participate in the races. They go shopping or sightseeing as I go running. We always travel early to acclimatise and settle.
Depending on circumstances, we may stay for a week or two.
Like engineer Kamau, Dr Oyugi is plans strategically, especially around visa and transport.
“I wish people knew that with a Schengen visa, you can visit multiple countries. Transport is efficient — trains are affordable and fast. That’s how I’ve managed to see much of Europe,” he says.
Still, he acknowledges the trips are capital-intensive.
“These experiences and memories are worth every penny. It may be expensive, but I don’t mind.”
He points to the Manchester Marathon as an example.
“The registration fee is about Sh34,000. A UK visa costs not less than £500 (about Sh86,000). A return ticket ranges between Sh80,000 and Sh100,000 if you book early.”
Amos on Mt Kenya Lenana peak in June 2023.
Photo credit: Pool
‘Unfortunately, most people book late because of visa uncertainties, and accommodation can add to the burden unless you have friends abroad.
“I’m lucky. I have friends in Europe who have hosted us many times.”
And beyond flights, visas, and hotels, there’s another silent cost— the race gear.
“Good running shoes are not cheap. For example, a pair of Nike Invincible 3 costs Sh31,000. You’ll need two pairs, one for training and one for the race. Other brands like Asics, can range from Sh7,000 to Sh30,000. And every runner needs a Garmin watch to track progress. That can cost anywhere between Sh10,000 and Sh100,000. Then there’s food and other training kits.”
Amos Rono, a Content Strategist at the US Embassy, has just begun his preparation for the Chicago Marathon later this year.
The 39-year-old began running in 2019 after being diagnosed with high cholesterol. What started as a health intervention evolved into a lifestyle that has taken him to marathons in Dubai, Chicago, Boston, and Kilimanjaro. Today, he often runs to raise money for charitable causes — though he admits travel is also a powerful motivator.
“I will be honest, preparing for these races isn’t easy. You have to give up a lot of things. Majority of Kenyans who travel out of the country to participate in these races do take loans. It’s the most obvious way to raise funds.”
When sponsors are unavailable, he tightens his budget.
“There is no room for carelessness. I treat it like a family going for a December holiday.”
His funding strategy starts a year in advance.
“I put money into a Sacco or Money Market Fund and contribute consistently. By race time, I have something to work with.”
For the Chicago Marathon in September, he estimates a minimum budget of Sh400,000.
“That will take care of my race entry ticket, which is Sh37,000. Air tickets will cost about Sh100,000. A good AirBnB costs between Sh50,000 and Sh70,000 for three to four days. Commuting around the city at the very least will cost Sh10,000, then for my meals I am looking at spending between Sh2,800 a day, so that is about Sh14,000 for five days.
“This is expensive especially if you are to factor in the cost of training and racing gear.”
Many runners combine saving with borrowing.
“Some won't admit they are borrowing, but I don't see harm in that because this is a beautiful adventure from a wellness and fitness perspective.”
