Standard Chartered Marathon receives Ksh173 million financial boon

The 21st Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has received a substantial boost of Ksh173 million from sponsors as it gears up for the event slated for Sunday, October 27 at Uhuru Gardens.

This sponsorship package includes both cash and in-kind contributions, aimed at enhancing the race experience and bolstering community initiatives.

Speaking on their preparedness, Peter Gitau, Chair of the Local Organising Committee, celebrated the marathon’s growing stature noting that it has attracted over 300,000 athletes since its inception.

“The marathon has cemented its status as one of the region’s premier athletic events,” Gitau offered.

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Standard Chartered leads the sponsorship drive with a contribution of Ksh 100 million. Prudential, renowned globally in the insurance sector, has also committed Ksh 10 million as the official sponsor of the 5KM Family Fun Run.

This sponsorship not only provides essential funding but also includes comprehensive insurance coverage for all participants.

Gitau further highlighted that proceeds from the marathon will empower youth, women, and individuals with disabilities in their pursuit to “learn, earn, and grow.”

This year’s marathon has attracted over 40 sponsors and partners, up from 30 in the previous edition, underscoring the growing support for this flagship event.

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Other sponsors include G4S, Bata, Carrefour Supermarkets, Heineken, LaRoche, Healthy U, and MSF-Doctors without Borders. Coca-Cola and Minute Maid will provide refreshments, while Kinderville Junior School sponsors the Kiddie Zone. Tetra Pak, Reload, and ORS have joined as hydration partners, and AAR Healthcare, Aga Khan University Hospital, MSF, and AMREF will deliver emergency medical services and post-race care.

CBM Christian Blind Mission will ensure essential support for participants with disabilities, and PTG will manage kit delivery services for corporate participants. Little Africa will handle shuttling logistics to and from the venue, and NTT Data will provide reliable internet connectivity throughout the event.

This year's marathon will also emphasize sports tourism, with Magical Kenya, Kenya Wildlife Services, Bonfire Adventures, and official flight partner Kenya Airways at the forefront.

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In addition, sustainability efforts are supported by Unicaf, WWF, the Peace and Cultural Heritage Alliance, Takataka, and Hurricane Global, which will oversee waste management and cleaning services.

The registration closed on Thursday 10 October, and the marathon has registered over 25,000 runners, surpassing its goal of 20,000 participants.

The popular 5km, 10km, and 21km races sold out just hours before the deadline.

The race begins at the Southern Bypass, across from the Carnivore Restaurant, and concludes at Uhuru Gardens. This year’s lineup includes the notable participation of Frida Lopeda, a former African champion in the 5000m event.