Today, Standard Chartered has introduced the 20th Edition of the Mombasa Satellite Marathon in partnership with the Mombasa Walk Movement (MWM), a well-known community-based organization dedicated to promoting healthy living and environmental sustainability.
Named “Twende StanChart Marathon 2023,” the launch event was an inspiring precursor to the much-awaited 20th Edition of the Standard Chartered Marathon. It featured a 14 Km Pre-Launch Walk that commenced at 6:00 am from the Standard Chartered, Treasury Square Branch, leading to the Kibarani Recreational Park in Mombasa, and concluding at the Miracle Park, formerly known as Kibarani Dumpsite, at 12:00 noon.
The core objective of the partnership is to raise awareness on the launch of the Nairobi Marathon and appeal to participants to register at www.nairobimarathon.com while emphasizing the shared values of fitness, environmental stewardship and community engagement.
The walk wasfollowed by a tree-planting activity involved planting 1,000 indigenous tree seedlings at Kibarani Recreation Park which is a rehabilitated dumpsite by Mombasa Cement. Mombasa Cement will also support the Bank’s ‘plant and grow’ approach to tree planting as they will take care of the trees post planting.
Furthermore, a medical camp was held where valuable healthcare services were provided to 200 participants and the local community in partnership with Aga Khan Hospital, Procare Medical Centre and Mikindani Medical Hospital. Some of the medical services provided included; Body Mass Index, Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar Test and Cancer Screening.
While addressing the participants, Kellen Kariuki the Board Chairperson, Standard Chartered Kenya said;
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Mombasa Walk Movement to foster a healthier and greener future, while encouraging active participation and community well-being in Mombasa.
She added; “Like in the previous editions of the SC Nairobi marathon, Sustainability remains a key agenda as we celebrate “20 years of running”. This year we intend to plant over 25,000 tree seedlings during the main marathon event, warm up races and the satellite runs. We will also continue to partner with Taka Taka Solutions to recycle 100% of the waste generated from the marathon with the aim to minimise the negative impacts of our operations as well as drive positive change in partnership with various stakeholders at all touchpoints. I therefore appeal to Mombasa County and the entire community here to embrace the Nairobi marathon by registering for it.”
Idris Abdirahman, the founder and Chairman of Mombasa Walk Movement, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating;
“Partnering with Standard Chartered Bank for this momentous event aligns perfectly with our vision for a healthier and walkable Mombasa. We are confident that this launch will inspire individuals and communities to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle while raising awareness about the upcoming Standard Chartered Marathon.”
Speaking at the same event, Joyce Kibe, Head of Corporate Affairs and Brand Marketing reiterated;“With this year’s 20th edition we intend to give you an experience like no other as we celebrate ‘20 years of running.’ The physical 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. The registration portal is officially open on www.nairobimarathon.com until 15th October 2023 and the registration fee remains KES 2,000.”
While addressing the participants Hon. Mohamed Faki, the Senator of Mombasa County expressed his gratitude saying
“I am honored to participate in this unprecedented collaboration between Standard Chartered Kenya and Mombasa Walk Movement. As Mombasa, we are very proud to have hosted theNairobi Marathon Mombasa Satellite event called ‘Twende Stanchart Marathon.” I recommend that you to prepare a Mombasa Standard Chartered Marathon, so you continue to foster a spirit of solidarity, wellbeing and community in our midst.
I thank Standard Chartered Kenya for running the Nairobi Marathon which embodies the resilience of our people, promotes sports and uplifts the economomy. I therefore appeal to everyone to register for this 20th Nairobi marathon edition and together let us run hand in hand, for the love of our nation, for the love of sport, and for the love of a better tomorrow.” He concluded.
The funds raised 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.