StanChart Marathon secures record Sh273m sponsorship

The organisers of the 23rd Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon have secured a record sponsorship of Sh273 million and an elite entry of 400 runners.

The race, planned for October 25 and attracting 37,000 participants from over 102 nations, has also seen a 100 per cent increase in the number of physicians serving participants, with over 400 now expected to be on hand.

For the sixth consecutive year, the race will start outside the Carnivore Restaurant in Nairobi, running along the Southern Bypass, and will end at the iconic Uhuru Gardens.

David Mwindi, chairman of the Local Organising Committee, said the quality of the event and its noble cause have endeared it to many, with the number of sponsors growing from 43 last year to 56.

He said their campaign to approach coaches and running camps, as well as online registration, had resulted in a 100 per cent increase in elite entries this year. “We have organised a spectacular event in terms of quality and planning, which is why there is so much interest,” said Mwindi, noting that many Kenyans took up running after the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020.

He said funds raised from the event and channelled to the Standard Chartered Foundation have been spent diligently on community projects.

“That is why we are able to attract many sponsors and a high-quality elite field that use the event as a stepping stone to conquering major races around the world,” he said, adding they had hoped to raise Sh76 million for community initiatives this year.

Mwindi spoke during the launch of the sponsors’ breakfast at Ole Sereni Hotel in Nairobi yesterday, where Standard Chartered Bank contributed Sh143 million in cash and in-kind support.

Other sponsors are Tetra Pak (Sh3m), Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (Sh10m), Healthy U (Sh9.8m), ORS Hydration (Sh8.6m), Little Limited (Sh7.8m), Rohto (Sh5.8m), Blue Band (Sh5m), Unicaf (Sh5m), Reload (Sh4.5m) and Coca-Cola (Sh4.4m).

The Nation Media Group is the media partner.

Mwindi said that, in addition to the expanded medical coverage provided by doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists, there will be extra hydration support, improved post-race recovery services, and new sustainability measures.

“It’s humbling to exceed the target by over 100 per cent. It demonstrates the faith that Kenyans have in the initiative,” said Mwindi. “We have achieved our dream of having more elite athletes, which will improve the quality and participation in the event.”

“The changes are designed to strengthen athlete safety and race operations while positioning the marathon as one of Africa’s leading road races operating to international standards,” said Mwindi.

Key improvements, Mwindi said, include 20 hydration stations positioned along the route, roaming bicycle medics for faster emergency response, dedicated muscle relief stations, enhanced recovery support and downloadable digital finisher certificates.

“Athletes need more than just water to keep their energies high and hydrated for longer and that is why the electrolytes are crucial in major races across the world,” said Enid Kanyiri, the managing director of A&Z Nutraceuticals, the distributors of ORS Hydration tablets.

The proceeds will once again go to the Standard Chartered Foundation that supports empowerment initiatives for the youth, women and other disadvantaged groups. The initiatives are tailored towards promoting equality and economic inclusion for these groups across the country.

Last year’s race attracted 30,600 participants from 90 nations that included 200 elite runners from across the three major events. An estimated Sh 76m was raised from the event.

Bernard Chepkwony and Hellen Chepkorir won the men’s and women’s marathon races, respectively last year to pocket Sh 2 million each. The prize money remains the same this year.

Chepkwony took two hours, 11 minutes, and 1 second to prevail in the men’s race, while Chepkorir swept the women’s top honours in 2:27:17.