Marathon
Standard Chartered Bank has officially launched the 21st edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon that will take place on 27th October 2024 at Uhuru Gardens. All proceeds from the Marathon will go towards Future- makers initiative, which supports youth community impact initiatives, focusing on projects across three pillars: Education, Employability and Entrepreneurship.
Future-makers by Standard Chartered is focused on breaking down barriers to opportunity and empowering the next generation to make meaningful contributions to the world around them.
Speaking at the launch, Peter Gitau, Chair, Local Organising Committee, Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon noted that over the last 20 years, the marathon event has raised over Sh. 750 million from the race’s proceeds to help disadvantaged Kenyans gain access to essential services and opportunities.
“Today that impact firmly focuses on supporting young, disadvantaged people, especially girls and persons with disabilities, to gain new skills and expertise to improve their chances of getting a job or starting their own business,” stressed Gitau.
He disclosed that the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon received World Athletic Accreditation as a World Road Race last year after rigorous check on accuracy on marathon route measurement, elevation changes, event and route layout, runner support and safety among other factors affecting the race.
This accreditation, according to the Chair, not only enhances the event’s prestige but also provides elite athletes with a platform to compete and set records on an internationally acclaimed course.
Gitau proclaimed that the organizing committee is now working closely with World Athletics, Athletics Kenya and other sporting partners to attain an ‘Elite’ Label and climb further up in the marathon World Athletics rankings.
In his remarks, Lt. Gen (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei, President, Athletics Kenya noted that the Marathon had emerged as a central element of the country’s sporting calendar, promoting a continued pipeline of talent to one of Kenya’s strongest athletic disciplines.
“We strongly support the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon and will continue to work with the bank to develop the Marathon further both in terms of organization standards, enhanced technical requirements and sustainability,” he maintained.
The Marathon features seven race categories: 42km men and women, 21km men and women, 10km men and women, 21km wheelchair men and women, 5km Family Fun Run race, CEO Challenge and the Corporate Relay Challenge.
In the major highlighted disciplines, the Winner, First Runners Up and Second Runners Up will take home Sh. 2Million, Sh. 750,000 and Sh 500,000 in the 42km men and women, Sh. 300,000, Sh. 150,000 and Sh. 100,000 for both the 21km men and women and 21km wheelchair men and women races and Sh. 200,000, Sh. 150,000 and Sh. 100,000 in the10km men and women category.
This weekend, the first of a series of warm up races will take place at Tatu City on Saturday 13th July, with additional satellite runs expected to take place in Mombasa, Kakamega, and Kisumu ahead of the main event in October.
Registration for the race is currently open on www.nairobimarathon.com and it is expected to attract 23,000 participants this year.