Today, Standard Chartered unveiled the 20th edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi marathon at Uhuru Gardens. More than 200 guests attended the event, which was honored by important figures such as Deputy Governor James Njoroge Muchiri from Nairobi City County, Athletics Kenya President Gen. Jackson Tuwei, Standard Chartered CEO Kariuki Ngari, Commanding Officer of Uhuru Gardens Major Ernest Yego, various sponsors, partners, and running clubs.
The 20th edition held under the theme “20 years of running,’ marks two decades of the Bank’s commitment to deliver a premier, IAAF accredited international mass participation sporting event that aims to;
- Provide a platform where elite athletes can use as a springboard to launch their international careers.
- Stimulate community engagement, civic engagement and local economic development
- Inspire Kenyans to better themselves by promoting a culture of fitness and overall wellness
- Promote innovation, collaboration and solidarity amongst participants and spectators
- Have a positive impact on the environment through a sustainable marathon
The Head of Brand and Marketing while while welcoming the guests and revealing the 20th anniversary identifier shared the Nairobi Marathon impact stating;
With this 20th edition we intend to give you an experience like no other as this is a huge milestone not just for us, but our partners, sponsors and the runners who have continuously supported our initiative in building a future generation.
Highlighting the impact that marathon has had over two decades she added; “we are proud to once again bring you a marathon that promotes talent. Many young athletes in Kenya rely on our IAAF approved international marathon to jump start their sporting careers and improve their livelihoods. Furthermore, since the launch of our FutureMakers programme aimed at tackling inequality and encouraging economic inclusion for the younger generation in 2019, we have invested KShs 311 million that we invest into Futuremakers initiatives that have impacted over 24,000 beneficiaries to date.”
While unveiling the 20th edition race kit, Joyce Kibe, the Standard Chartered Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing said;
“This year, the physical Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon will be held on Sunday, 29th October 2023 on the Southern Bypass with Uhuru Gardens as the marathon venue, while the satellite marathons in Kisumu, Mombasa, and Eldoret will kick off starting 22nd October to 29th October 2023.
The event will feature all the six race categories: 42km male and female, 21km male and female, 10km male and female, 21km wheelchair male and female, 5km Family Fun Run race and the Corporate Relay Challenge.
This year’s target is to have 25,000 runners participate in the physical marathon. With this launch, the registration portal is officially open on www.nairobimarathon.com until 15th October 2023.
The registration fee for this year’s marathon remains KES 2000 and late registration entry fee will be KES 2500, after 10th October 2023.”
The registration money collected from the marathon will be channeled towards the Standard Chartered Futuremakers programmes that support future generations learn, earn and grow. In 2022 was also the year we saw a record contribution of KES 37 million raised for the FutureMakers initiative.
On his part, before leading a procession to plant commemorative trees, Kariuki Ngari, the CEO Standard Chartered Kenya and East Africa in his address stated;
“As we mark the 20th anniversary of the SC Nairobi marathon, Sustainability remains a key conversation and ambition which propels the marathon beyond a sporting event. In 2022, over 20,000 runners registered to participate in the Nairobi Marathon, and we distributed over 25,000 seedlings in various parts of the country alongside other environmental protections measures.
Our broad sustainability contribution is highlighted in our first sustainability impact report that we launched in 2021. This year we aim to continue minimising the negative impacts of our operations and drive positive change through planting tree seedlings in partnership with various stakeholders and at all touchpoints.”
He further added: This year we have re-introduced an executive category and I will be inviting my peers to join me in the 10 Kilometre CEO Challenge. We will have a training program to help them prepare as well and ofcourse to plant a tree.
“We are honored to host the prestigious Nairobi Marathon in our vibrant city. This marathon serves as a testament to Kenya‘s status as a global hub for sports and showcases our commitment to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle among our citizens. The Marathon also not only promotes and celebrates athletic excellence but also brings economic benefits to our city, as it positions the city as a premier destination for sports events as well as attracts participants, spectators and international attention. We are excited to work hand in hand with Standard Chartered Kenya, Athletics Kenya and all stakeholders to ensure a successful and memorable event that reflects the spirit and energy of Nairobi.”
Speaking during the Nairobi marathon official launch, the Athletics Kenya Chairman, Jackson Tuwei stated;
We are thrilled to be part of the launch of the highly anticipated 20th edition of the Nairobi Marathon – an event that holds a special place in the hearts of Kenyans. I applaud Standard Chartered for consistently organising this sustainable marathon for two centuries and in so doing cultivating a sporting culture within Kenya, inspiring young athletes to pursue their dreams and showcasing our nation’s extraordinary running talent. The Nairobi Marathon brings together athletes from diverse backgrounds, races, gender and promotes inclusivity with its PWD race category. This inadvertently fosters a love for athletics and nurtures talent from grassroot levels.
He concluded with an appeal: “As Athletics Kenya, we appreciate the tremendous value of this marathon, so we appeal to all stakeholders, athletes, sponsors and the local community to join us in making the 20th edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon and make it an unforgettable success.”
Some of the other unique and memorable 20th anniversary Nairobi marathon initiatives will include; a 20-year journey museum to showcase journey and help all sports and marathon enthusiasts and partners to reflect on how this initiative promotes excellence, inclusivity and sustainability.
A partnership with the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) to ensure the Bank minimises irregularities and maintains the IAAF standards and the integrity of its 20th edition marathon, Furthermore, the Bank will deploy aerial surveillance cameras from all its broadcast partners to assist in monitoring all the races including the Chip technology and much more.