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 history.
Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, David Mwindi, said the marathon had reached new milestones in both registration and sponsorship, underscoring its significance on the sporting and social calendar.
“For the first time, we closed registration a month before the race; we turned away sponsors because we could not accommodate more and even now people are still calling looking for slots,” he said during a sponsors’ appreciation breakfast in Nairobi on Thursday.
Mwindi described the event as more than a sporting competition, highlighting its role in talent development and community building.
“The marathon has become a vital launching pad for elite runners while at the same time offering opportunities for families and communities to engage in sport. Every year, from the launch to the warm-up races and the various activations, our sponsors walk with us. Their support has made this not just a race but a family affair,” he noted.
He acknowledged partners such as KWAL’s Heineken Zero, Reload, Amaya and medical partners including AR, who have helped make the marathon more inclusive and safer.
Mwindi said this year’s programme had been broadened with new initiatives, including additional support for the wheelchair category, which has grown in participation.
“This reflects our commitment to inclusivity and the impact the race has on the community. Every year we receive feedback that helps us improve. Our aim is to make the marathon more inclusive, more family-friendly, and ultimately bigger and better,” he said.
Mwindi, reflecting on the preparations ahead, said the success of the marathon lies in collective effort.
“We still have a week to go and a lot of heavy lifting remains, but with the continued support of our sponsors and the community, we are confident of delivering another successful edition. Together, let us run further and make the impact we want to see in our communities,” he said.
Dr. Senorine Wasike, Head of Marketing at Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL), said the decision to sponsor the marathon through the Heineken Zero brand was aligned with the company’s values of wellness and responsible consumption.
“Our motivation is to offer consumers healthy alternatives that allow them to enjoy responsibly. Heineken Zero is about guilt-free enjoyment, and that message resonates strongly with this health and wellness movement,” she said.
Dr. Wasike added that KWAL views the marathon as more than a branding opportunity.
“By supporting the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, we are also supporting the Futuremakers programme, which benefits youth, women and persons with disabilities. For us, this is about being part of a movement that goes beyond sport,” she explained.
She further noted that the marathon’s scale, with 30,000 participants expected this year, offers unmatched visibility.
“This is the one event we must be part of every year. It brings together runners from all walks of life, from elite athletes to everyday Kenyans, making it unique,” she said.
Prudential Life Assurance, another returning sponsor, highlighted its commitment to community health and intergenerational wellbeing.
Bernard Kinyanjui, the company’s Head of Corporate Affairs, said the marathon reflects the firm’s values of healthy living and family.
“We love participating in this marathon, and we believe that it aligns with what we stand for, promoting active lifestyles and giving families a chance to bond. The five-kilometre run especially allows parents and children to participate together,” he said.
Kinyanjui added that Prudential views the marathon as a platform for shaping future generations.
“Running with your young ones is about preparing a healthy legacy. Partnering with Futuremakers ensures we are securing opportunities for the next generation and empowering them to lead healthier lives,” he said.
He further expressed excitement at the growing scale of the event. “The thought of 30,000 runners filling the streets of Nairobi on an early morning is truly inspiring. It speaks to the marathon’s power to bring people together,” he noted.
Standard Chartered’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing for Kenya and Africa, Joyce Kibe, said the record sponsorship reflects the trust and consistency built over two decades.
“In 2024, we raised Sh173 million. This year, that figure has grown to Sh233 million, an increase of about 34 percent. The growth allows us to provide an enhanced experience for all participants,” she said.
Kibe explained that with more sponsors on board, runners will benefit from expanded services.
“From kilometre zero to kilometre 42, participants will be supported with hydration, electrolytes, medical care, sustainable water packaging and transport. Everything has been planned to ensure safety and comfort for every runner,” she said.
She emphasised that proceeds from the marathon go directly into the bank’s Futuremakers initiative, which supports entrepreneurship and employability training.
“To date, about Sh850 million has been raised through the marathon. Last year alone, Sh45 million went to Futuremakers, and this year we are targeting Sh75 million. By registering and running, participants are directly changing lives,” she said.
Kibe said Futuremakers currently supports six universities through employability programmes and runs the Women in Tech partnership with Strathmore University, providing women entrepreneurs with start-up funding for tech ventures.
“We ensure that every shilling raised helps youth, women and persons with disabilities access finance, training and opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods,” she said.
She also noted the marathon’s growing global recognition. “Since its inception in 2003, the Nairobi Marathon has run without fail every year, and it is now accredited as a World Athletics Road Race label event.
This year, we expect 200 elite runners, the highest so far. But beyond the numbers, consistency and world-class standards are what set the marathon apart,” she added.
The 2025 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon will take place on October 26 in Nairobi, featuring races across multiple categories, including the full marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km family run and the wheelchair race.
By Naif Rashid
