‘20 years of running’; Standard Chartered launch 2023 marathon

Standard Chartered has on Sunday 9 July launched the 20th edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi marathon at Uhuru Gardens.

The 20th edition will be held under the theme ‘20 years of running’, marking two decades of the bank’s commitment to deliver a premier, World Athletics accredited international mass participation sporting event.

Organizers are targeting over 25,000 participants, in the physical marathon, in this year’s edition set for 29 October geared towards supporting the ‘FutureMakers’ programme.

The FutureMakers programme, launched in 2019 is aimed at tackling inequality and encouraging economic inclusion for the younger generation. The bank has invested Ksh 311 million, from the marathon proceeds, into the initiative that have impacted over 24,000 beneficiaries to date.

“With this 20th edition, we intend to give you an experience like no other as this is a huge milestone not just for us, but our partners, sponsors and the runners who have continuously supported our initiative in building a future generation.

We are proud to once again bring you a marathon that promotes talent. Many young athletes in Kenya rely on our World Athletics approved international marathon to jump start their sporting careers and improve their livelihoods,” Joyce Kibe, the Standard Chartered Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing said.

This year’s physical marathon will be held on Sunday, 29 October 2023 on the Southern Bypass with Uhuru Gardens as the marathon venue, while the satellite marathons in Kisumu, Mombasa and Eldoret will be held from 22 October to 29 October.

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The event will feature all the six race categories: 42km male and female, 21km male and female, 10km male and female, 21km wheelchair male and female, 5km Family Fun Run race and the Corporate Relay Challenge.

The registration portal is officially open on www.nairobimarathon.com until 15 October. The registration fee remains Ksh 2000 and late registration entry fee will be Ksh 2500, after 10 October.

In 2022, organisers saw a record contribution of Ksh 37 million raised for the FutureMakers initiative.

With sustainability a key conversation and ambition which propels the marathon beyond a sporting event, the bank will continue its environmental protection measures.

Last year, over 20,000 runners registered to participate in the Nairobi Marathon, and over 25,000 seedlings were distributed in various parts of the country.

“Our broad sustainability contribution is highlighted in our first sustainability impact report that we launched in 2021. This year we aim to continue minimizing the negative impacts of our operations and drive positive change through planting tree seedlings in partnership with various stakeholders at all touchpoints,” Kariuki Ngari, the CEO Standard Chartered Kenya and East Africa stated in his address.

Athletics Kenya chairperson Jackson Tuwei expressed delight in the federation’s ability to continue their partnership with the marathon.

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“I applaud Standard Chartered for consistently organizing this sustainable marathon for two centuries and in so doing cultivating a sporting culture within Kenya, inspiring young athletes to pursue their dreams and showcasing our nation's extraordinary running talent.

The Nairobi Marathon brings together athletes from diverse backgrounds, races, gender and promotes inclusivity with its PWD race category. This inadvertently fosters a love for athletics and nurtures talent from grassroot levels,” he offered adding that some of the other unique and memorable 20th anniversary initiatives will include a 20-year journey museum to showcase the event’s journey and help all sports and marathon enthusiasts and partners to reflect on how this initiative promotes excellence, inclusivity and sustainability.