Over 500 Nairobi residents took to the scenic Windsor Golf Club this past weekend for a free lifestyle run, highlighting a growing trend in the city’s running culture.
The event, co-hosted by local run club We Run Nairobi (WRN) and Swiss sportswear brand On, brought together runners of all ages for a morning focused on community, wellness, and enjoyment.
Running in Nairobi has traditionally been associated with high-performance sport, thanks to the country’s global reputation for producing elite athletes.
However, a shift is underway as more people are seeking accessible and social ways to stay active.
We Run Nairobi has emerged as a pioneer in this movement, promoting a style of running that prioritises mental well-being, consistency, and the joy of movement.
The Windsor event was part of On’s global ‘Soft Wins’ campaign, which encourages participants to embrace gentle and communal exercise.
Runners explored We Run Nairobi’s signature routes of 6Km, 9Km and 15Km, but the emphasis was not on speed or personal bests.
Instead, participants were encouraged to go at their own pace and enjoy the experience.
“Today’s theme was soft. A canopy-covered forest, green all around, with the same community vibes. There is a time to go for it, and we have been doing that all year," We Run Nairobi's Founder Emily Chepkor began.
"We will go hard again, but today we could put our feet up. Today, we encouraged everyone to go gentle, reset and to remember there will be ice cream at the end."
The event offered more than just running.
Wellness activities, ice cream carts, and product demonstrations allowed attendees to engage with the community and try on footwear, including the Cloudsurfer Max shoes, which feature the brand’s CloudTec cushioning technology.
The turnout reflected Nairobians’ appetite for inclusive fitness opportunities.
Families, youth, and seasoned runners mingled, showing that the city’s wellness scene is becoming more diverse and welcoming.
Participants appreciated the emphasis on fun and connection, rather than competition.
By promoting gentler movement and social engagement, run clubs like We Run Nairobi are making fitness more accessible to a wider audience.
The Windsor run is part of a broader trend in Nairobi where community-focused activities are reshaping how residents engage with health and fitness.
As more Nairobians seek balanced and enjoyable ways to stay active, events that combine exercise, social interaction, and mental wellness are gaining popularity.
For many participants, the morning served as a reminder that running can be both rewarding and relaxing.
The event’s free and open for all format reinforced a simple idea that staying active should be inclusive and enjoyable for everyone willing to show up.
