Standard Chartered Nairobi marathon set to train PWD’s ahead of event

Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has launched a 6-week training program for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) who will be taking part in the 2022 edition of the marathon.

PWD’s will participate in the 21km Wheelchair race and 42km Relay race alongside the full and half marathon as well as the 10km and 5km Family Fun Run.

This is part of the marathon’s agenda to support diversity and inclusion by increasing participation of persons with disabilities. The program builds on the partnership with Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya (APDK), Sight Savers and Light for the World; with renowned marathoner, Douglas Wakihuuri as the lead trainer for over 50 participants who have disabilities.

“At Standard Chartered, we believe in a fair and balanced world, where everyone is welcome to participate and given the same chances in a safe and inclusive environment.

We aim to boost access and equality within our events by running outreach programmes and partnering with local organisations to understand how we can improve accessibility to our events for people living with disabilities,” Peter Gitau, chair of the Local Organising Committee said.

The LOC has worked with APDK over the years to mobilize wheelchair race participants for the marathon. This includes the verification of the routes and venues for the wheelchair participants as well as putting together the requirements of the wheelchair participants for the marathon.

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Last year, the marathon hosted 86 wheelchair race participants. This year, through the slogan ‘a tree per runner’ the marathon targets to plant at least 25,000 trees. Registration is open for both virtual and the physical marathon.

“The marathon has evolved from being just a sporting event to becoming a platform for driving sustainability and community engagement initiatives. It has become an event that promotes innovation, collaboration and solidarity amongst participants and spectators as well as having a positive impact on the natural environment. This is aligned to global trends to integrate sustainability into major sporting events,” Gitau added.

Funds raised through the marathon go towards ‘Futuremakers by Standard Chartered’. This initiative supports disadvantaged young people, especially girls and young people with disabilities, to gain new skills and expertise to improve their chances of getting a job or starting their own business.