TSC World Teachers’ Day Run 2026: How to Register for the Free 5km and 10km Marathon.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is holding a free run — officially titled the World Teachers’ Day Marathon on its registration portal, though many teachers know it as the “Teachers’ Day Run” — on Sunday, 27 September 2026, starting at 6:00 a.m. simultaneously across all eight TSC regions. Registration is open now, closes on 15 September 2026, and costs nothing.
Here’s exactly how to sign up, what you’ll need, and what to watch out for.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | World Teachers’ Day Marathon (TSC Teachers’ Day Run) |
| Organiser | Teachers Service Commission (TSC) |
| Date | Sunday, 27 September 2026 |
| Start time | 6:00 a.m. |
| Categories | 5km and 10km |
| Venue | All eight TSC regions: Nairobi, Central, Coast, Eastern, North Eastern, Nyanza, Rift Valley, Western |
| Cost | Free |
| Registration closes | 15 September 2026 |
| What you need | TSC Number, National ID or Passport Number |
| Verification | OTP sent to your registered email |
| Portal | tsconline.tsc.go.ke/marathon |
Why the Date on the Portal Might Confuse You
One detail worth flagging: World Teachers’ Day itself is a UNESCO-designated day observed globally on 5 October every year — this year marking the 60th anniversary of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers, with the main international event happening at UNESCO’s Paris headquarters. TSC’s marathon, however, is scheduled for 27 September, ahead of the actual global date, as Kenya’s own local lead-in to the celebrations. If you were expecting the run to fall on 5 October itself, it doesn’t — mark 27 September on your calendar instead.
How to Register: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Go to the Official Portal
Open tsconline.tsc.go.ke/marathon directly. This is TSC’s own “TeachersOnline” system — the same platform used for other TSC services — so there’s no separate app or third-party site involved.
Step 2: Enter Your TSC Number
Type in your TSC Number exactly as it appears in your TSC records.
Step 3: Enter Your National ID or Passport Number
This must match what TSC already has on file for you. A mismatch here is one of the most common reasons registration fails.
Read Also: Grade C3 Teacher Salary in Kenya: TSC Basic Pay and Allowances (2026)
Step 4: Wait for the OTP
Once you submit both numbers, TSC sends a one-time password to the email address it holds on your file — not necessarily the email you check most often, so make sure you know which inbox that is.
Step 5: Enter the OTP and Pick 5km or 10km
After verification, choose your distance. There’s no penalty for picking the shorter option — TSC introduced both categories specifically so teachers of different fitness levels can take part.
Step 6: Confirm the Declaration
You’ll be asked to confirm that the details you’ve entered are accurate and that you intend to take part. Only tick this after checking your entries — the portal doesn’t appear to offer an easy way to edit a submission afterward.
Step 7: Submit Before 15 September 2026
TSC has said the window closes on this date so that regional teams have time to plan logistics, so don’t leave it to the last day.
Choosing Between 5km and 10km
| Factor | 5km | 10km |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Beginners, first-time participants, those short on training time | Regular runners or those wanting a bigger physical challenge |
| Typical time commitment | 25–45 minutes for most walkers/joggers | 50 minutes–1.5 hours depending on pace |
| Recovery needed | Minimal | Moderate |
Neither category has an age or fitness requirement stated by TSC beyond being a registered teacher, so pick whichever distance you’re realistically prepared for.
It’s Genuinely Free — Here’s the Scam Warning
TSC has been explicit that no payment of any kind is required to register or participate, and it has specifically cautioned teachers against anyone asking for money in connection with the event. If you’re contacted by a person or platform claiming you must pay a registration, “processing,” or “reservation” fee for the run, that is not coming from TSC — report it and do not send money.
If You Don’t Receive the OTP
- Check your spam or junk folder before assuming the system has failed.
- Confirm you’re checking the exact email address TSC has on record for you, not a personal address you use for other things.
- Re-verify your TSC Number and ID/Passport Number are entered correctly — a mismatch can silently block the OTP from being generated.
- If problems persist, rely on official TSC communication channels rather than third parties for help.
Read Also: TSC TPAD Portal Login Guide: Appraisal, TPD, and Reports
Beyond the Run: What Else TSC Has Planned for World Teachers’ Day 2026
The marathon isn’t happening in isolation. TSC is also running the World Teachers’ Day 2026 Rewards and Recognition Framework, a separate nomination-based awards process covering categories such as Lifetime Achievement, Early Years Educator, Sustainable Development Educator, Early Career Educator, School Leadership Excellence, Most Resilient Teacher, National Honours, and International Recognition.
Nominations for those awards closed on 26 August 2026, and shortlisted teachers are currently going through interviews at Sub-County, County, Regional, and National levels ahead of the final announcements.
The run and the awards are two distinct initiatives, but both form part of TSC’s wider push to mark the occasion this year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the TSC World Teachers’ Day Run?
Sunday, 27 September 2026, starting at 6:00 a.m.
Is it the same date as World Teachers’ Day?
No. World Teachers’ Day itself falls on 5 October. TSC’s run is held earlier, on 27 September, as part of the lead-up celebrations.
Is registration free?
Yes. TSC has confirmed no payment is required, and warns against anyone who asks you to pay.
What do I need to register?
Your TSC Number, your National ID or Passport Number, and access to the email address registered with TSC to receive an OTP.
Can I choose my distance?
Yes — 5km and 10km categories are both open, and you select one during registration.
When does registration close?
15 September 2026.
Where is the run held?
Simultaneously across all eight TSC regions — Nairobi, Central, Coast, Eastern, North Eastern, Nyanza, Rift Valley, and Western — rather than in one central location.
Read Also: TSC Chairperson, Commissioners and CEO: Who’s Currently Leading TSC
What’s the official registration link?
tsconline.tsc.go.ke/marathon
Final Word
Registering takes only a few minutes once you have your TSC Number, ID/passport number, and access to your registered email ready. Since the window closes on 15 September 2026 and the event itself is just under two weeks later, it’s worth completing registration now rather than waiting.
Official Registration Link: tsconline.tsc.go.ke/marathon
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