About The Standard Chartered Marathon Nairobi on 26th October 2014

Standard Chartered Bank will this year host the 12^th edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon. The Bank, with the support of event organizers, Athletics Kenya, have built an event that has become internationally renowned and has placed Kenya on the international map. 

The Marathon is the flagship project for our ‘Seeing is Believing’ community imitative that aims to raise funds for the needy in the community.

Last year’s event attracted over 23,000 participants from all walks of life.

The objectives of the marathon are to:

• Raise the profile of Kenya internationally;
• Help identify and provide opportunity for the local athletic talent to excel;
• Help boost tourism to Kenya;
• Create a community event for everyone’s enjoyment; and
• Raise funds for the needy in the community, that is, our “Seeing is Believing” community initiative.

The marathon has achieved all these objectives in good measure. It has put Kenya on the world map as it continues to attract international runners therefore increasing the profile of our nation. Furthermore, hundreds of people have traveled to Kenya to run the last 10 marathons and after the event have proceeded on holiday to some of Kenya’s tourist attractions.

The marathon has received vast media coverage over the years which have seen the event broadcasted around Africa on DSTV SuperSports and other international news channels as well as in our local media. 

The Nairobi Marathon has also served as a platform where budding athletes have launched their international careers. Since the launch of the Marathon in 2003 only one winner has successfully defended their title. Every year the marathon produces new winners.

The Nairobi Marathon is now an event for all Kenyans, including corporate organizations that use it as a forum for team building.

This year, Standard Chartered extended its sponsorship for the marathon for another five years. Together with Athletics Kenya, we have creatively modeled the Nairobi Marathon into different categories to suit all. From the grueling full and half marathon that call for extreme courage and endurance, to the 10km, the wheelchair race and the family fun run, the Nairobi marathon has something for everyone.

Seeing Is Believing

By participating in the Nairobi Marathon you make it possible for us to raise money to support the eradication of avoidable blindness in Kenya. 

Last year we raised Ksh. 23 million for the ‘Seeing is Believing’ charity up from Ksh. 21 million in 2012.

Our sponsors

Our sponsors, through their immense generosity, have walked the walk with us for the last ten years.

These are:

• Kenya Data Network – who have provided network and connectivity services for ease of participants’ registration;
• Majestic Printers – who have provided all the stationery and promotional materials;
• Capital FM – who have continually given dedicated air time to promote the marathon;
• Alphine Coolers – who have provided water for the event for the last six years;
• Jubilee Insurance – who provide medical insurance for all participants;
• AAR – who continue to provide emergency and medical services;
• Nakumatt – who allow us to use their premises for registration; and last but not least
• Subaru Kenya – who generously continue to provide lead cars for the various races.

We have also partnered with leading health clubs to provide advice on nutrition and training packages for the participants.

The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has  been a big success. The standards of the event are being raised year on year. We have maintained six distinct races as follows:

• Full Marathon (42 KM) road race for men and women
• Half Marathon (21KM) road race for men and women
• 10KM road race for men and women
• Tricycle race (42KM)
• Wheelchair race (21KM)
• 5KM Family Fun Run

Source: The Standard Chartered Marathon Nairobi