30,000 Runners 92 Nationalities to Participate in Standard Chartered Marathon

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

The 22nd edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has attracted 30,000 participants from 92 nationalities before the October 10 deadline.

The unprecedented numbers are indicative of growing popularity and global appeal of the Nairobi marathon.

Apart from this, the event has attracted a staggering Ksh233 million in sponsorship ahead of the October 26, 2025 slated at the famous Uhuru Gardens.

This year’s sponsorship marks a 35 percent increase from the Ksh173 million raised last year reflecting the increased commitment by Kenya’s corporate and development sectors to purpose-driven sports initiatives.

In total, 43 sponsors have contributed both financial and in-kind support to ensure a world-class participant experience and create long-lasting community impact.

David Mwindi, chairman of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon organising committee, lauded the turnout saying the move would nurture talents and transform lives.

“We are proud to see both sponsor and participant numbers grow significantly this year. This strong turnout is evidence of the collective will to transform lives, nurture talent, and drive positive change through the Future makers initiative,” he said.

Standard Chartered leads other sponsors with a contribution of Ksh130 million being the single largest sponsorship for the event.

Other significant contributions include KWAL – Ksh10 million (21km race naming rights), Prudential – Ksh9.5 million (5KM Family Fun Run sponsorship including insurance for all participants).

The marathon also serves as a platform for the Futuremakers Initiative through which Ksh48 million was raised last year to support youth empowerment programmes. The 2025 target is to raise over Ksh75 million.

According to Joyce Kibe, head of corporate affairs and brand narketing at Standard Chartered, says the initiative will ceate a meaningful impact in the society.

“The initiative has impacted more than 55,000 underserved young people since 2019 including support for over 1,300 microbusinesses through an investment of Ksh133 million in a three-year employability programme launched in 2024,” he said.

Additional sponsors and supporters are Anta Sports – Ksh5 million, EABL-Ksh3.5 million, UNDP – over Ksh3.2 million, healthcare partners – AAR, Aga Khan University Hospital, AMREF, Osteocare, Nutrition and Hydration Support – Wetra Pak, ORS, Reload, Coca-Cola, and Tawi.

Logistics and technology support is being provided by Eden Cabs, BasiGo, PTG, Little Limited, and NTT Data ensuring seamless transport, kit delivery, and reliable internet connectivity.

Retail and consumer brands lending support include, Carrefour, Molfix/Molped, Healthy U, La Roche, Ariel & Downy, Rohto, Centrum, Razco, Fitbeat, and Uchumi.

The marathon’s dedication to diversity and inclusion (D&I) continues through support from Light for the World and CBM Christian Blind Mission, offering tailored support for persons with disabilities.

Kisskids will once again provide dedicated mothers’ rooms along the marathon route.

Sustainability efforts are also underway as the event reinforces its role not just as a race, but as a transformational platform for communities across Kenya.