JULY 12 – Standard Chartered has unveiled the 21st Nairobi Marathon Edition, scheduled for October 27, 2024, at Uhuru Gardens.
The marathon will support the Future Makers initiative, emphasizing youth empowerment through education, employability, and entrepreneurship.
Chair of the Local Organizing Committee, Peter Gitau, emphasized the marathon’s substantial impact over the past twenty years.
“In the last two decades, we have raised over Sh750 million from the race’s proceeds to help disadvantaged Kenyans gain access to essential services and opportunities. Today, our focus is on supporting young, disadvantaged people – especially girls and persons with disabilities – to acquire new skills and expertise to enhance their job prospects or start their own businesses,” he stated.
Having received World Athletic Accreditation as a World Road Race, the marathon has gained increased prestige and provides a platform for elite athletes to compete and set records.
The organizing committee is partnering with World Athletics, Athletics Kenya, and other sporting entities to attain an ‘Elite’ label and elevate its status in the marathon World Athletics standings.
Jackson Tuwei, President of Athletics Kenya, affirmed strong support for the marathon, saying, “We are committed to supporting the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon and will continue collaborating with the bank to advance the marathon in terms of organizational standards, technical requirements, and sustainability.”
This year, the marathon anticipates attracting 23,000 participants.
The first series of warm-up races will take place this weekend at Tatu City on Saturday, July 13th, with additional satellite runs expected to take place in Mombasa, Kakamega, and Kisumu ahead of the main event in October.
The marathon will include seven race categories: 42 km for men and women, 21 km for men and women, 10 km for men and women, 21 km wheelchair race for men and women, 5 km family fun run, CEO challenge, and corporate relay challenge.
Prizes will be awarded in various categories, with the top finishers in the 42 km race receiving Sh2 million. Winners of the 21km and 10km races will be awarded Sh300,000 and Sh200,000, respectively.
By Hyrance Matinde
