Nairobi: The 22nd edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has achieved historic growth, attracting sponsorship worth Sh233 million and drawing 30,000 participants for the October 26 race, making it the largest in the race's history. Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, David Mwindi, highlighted the marathon's new milestones in both registration and sponsorship, emphasizing its significance on the sporting and social calendar.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mwindi noted that, for the first time, registration closed a month before the race, with an overwhelming number of sponsors and participants eager to join. During a sponsors' appreciation breakfast in Nairobi, Mwindi described the event as more than just a sporting competition, emphasizing its role in talent development and community building. He acknowledged partners such as KWAL's Heineken Zero, Reload, Amaya, and medical partners including AR, who have contributed to making the marathon more inclusive and safer.
This year's programme has been broadened with new initiatives, including additional support for the wheelchair category, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and community impact. Mwindi expressed confidence in delivering another successful edition of the marathon with continued support from sponsors and the community.
Dr. Senorine Wasike, Head of Marketing at Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL), explained that sponsoring the marathon aligns with the company's values of wellness and responsible consumption. She emphasized that the marathon offers unmatched visibility and is a vital part of the health and wellness movement. Dr. Wasike also highlighted the marathon's connection to the Futuremakers programme, which benefits youth, women, and persons with disabilities.
Prudential Life Assurance, another returning sponsor, underscored its commitment to community health and intergenerational wellbeing. Bernard Kinyanjui, the company's Head of Corporate Affairs, noted that the marathon aligns with promoting active lifestyles and family bonding. He emphasized the marathon's role in shaping future generations and expressed excitement about the event's growing scale.
Joyce Kibe, Standard Chartered's Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing for Kenya and Africa, remarked that the record sponsorship reflects the trust built over two decades. She noted a 34 percent increase in sponsorship, which enhances the experience for all participants. Kibe highlighted that proceeds from the marathon directly support the bank's Futuremakers initiative, which aids entrepreneurship and employability training.
Kibe also mentioned the marathon's accreditation as a World Athletics Road Race label event and its consistent global recognition. The 2025 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon will feature races across multiple categories, including the full marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km family run, and the wheelchair race, with 200 elite runners expected to participate.