Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon Secures Record KSh273 Million Sponsorship
By Peace Muthoka
NAIROBI, Kenya — The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has secured a record KSh273 million in sponsorship and support ahead of its 23rd edition, as organisers prepare to host more than 30,000 runners in Nairobi on October 25, 2026.
Standard Chartered has committed KSh130 million to the race, while other sponsors have provided KSh143 million in cash and in-kind contributions. The event will bring together runners from 102 nationalities, including more than 400 elite athletes, in what organisers say will be an expanded race with greater emphasis on safety, runner experience and community impact.
The number of sponsors has also increased from 43 in 2025 to 56 this year, representing a 30 per cent rise. In addition, the total sponsorship value is 17 per cent higher than the KSh233 million raised last year and 58 per cent above the KSh173 million recorded in 2024.
The increased investment is expected to strengthen race operations, including medical services, hydration, nutrition, transport, technology and logistics. It will also support programmes aimed at creating opportunities for young people through employability, entrepreneurship and skills development.
David Mwindi, Chairman of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon Local Organising Committee, said the growing support reflected sponsors’ confidence in the event and its wider contribution to society.
“This record KES 273 million investment reflects the shared commitment of Standard Chartered and our sponsors to delivering a world-class marathon with lasting impact,” Mwindi said.
He added that the marathon had become a platform for different groups, including elite athletes, recreational runners, families and corporate teams. According to Mwindi, the event also provides an opportunity for talented athletes to develop their careers, with some past winners going on to compete successfully on the international stage.
As the organisers seek to position the race among the leading marathons, Mwindi said they were working with Athletics Kenya and other partners to attract more elite runners, including talent from the North Rift region.
However, he noted that increasing participation must go hand in hand with a quality experience for runners. “We don’t just target numbers. We have to make sure that the experience matches what we are promising,” he said.
The organisers are therefore making adjustments to this year’s race after reviewing lessons from the previous edition. The starting time will be moved slightly earlier following the heatwave experienced during last year’s marathon, while additional support will be provided along the route.
Mwindi said the changes would include improvements in hydration and medical services, with the organisers using feedback from participants to make the event safer and more comfortable.
“We’ll try and start a little bit earlier. The lessons we learned from last year is that there was a heatwave, especially on the specific day of the marathon,” he said.
The marathon has also achieved its KSh90 million fundraising target for the Standard Chartered Foundation through participant registrations. The funds will support programmes focused on employability, entrepreneurship and skills development for young people, women and people with disabilities.
Joyce Kibe, Standard Chartered’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing for Kenya and Africa, said the marathon had become an important platform for connecting businesses, communities and visitors from different parts of the world.
“The marathon brings together more than 30,000 runners, clients, colleagues, communities and visitors from around the world, giving brands a powerful platform to connect with people while creating measurable value for Nairobi and its communities,” Kibe said.
She, however, noted that the success of the event should not be measured by participation figures alone, but also by the experience it creates for runners and the memories they take away.
Among the major sponsors, Kenya Wine Agencies Limited has contributed KSh10 million as the rights holder for the 21km Half Marathon. Tetra Pak has provided KSh13 million as the hydration sponsor, while Healthy U has contributed KSh9.8 million in support of GU gels and ORS KSh8.6 million as the electrolyte sponsor.
Other sponsors include Little Limited, Rohto, Blue Band, Unicaf, Reload and Coca-Cola, which are supporting accreditation, relief stations, mist stations, sustainability, isotonic products and refreshments respectively.
Nike and Spiro will make their debut as marathon sponsors, contributing KSh5 million and KSh4 million respectively. Nike will serve as the official apparel sponsor, while Spiro will support the event’s entertainment programme.
KWAL Commercial Director Alice Mwalimo said the company’s support for the half marathon reflected its commitment to active lifestyles and community engagement.
“Our sponsorship of the 21 km Half Marathon reflects KWAL’s commitment to supporting active lifestyles and shared community experiences,” Mwalimo said.
The 2026 race will start and finish at Uhuru Gardens and feature the 42km Full Marathon, 21km Half Marathon, 10km Road Race, 21km Wheelchair Race and 5km Family Fun Run. Participants will also take part in the CEO Challenge and Corporate Challenge.
Since its establishment, the marathon has attracted more than 345,000 participants and raised approximately KSh520 million for programmes supported through the Standard Chartered Foundation.
With sponsorship reaching a new high, organisers say their priority is to deliver a race that combines competitive athletics, mass participation and meaningful community benefits while maintaining the safety and welfare of every runner.
