StanChart Marathon hits record 30,700 runners as sponsorship tops Ksh273m

The 2026 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon is set for its biggest edition yet, attracting a record 30,700 registered runners and more than 200 elite athletes from 102 nationalities ahead of the October 25 race at Uhuru Gardens.

The milestone underscores the growing global appeal of the event, which has become one of Africa's premier road races.

Organisers attribute the surge in participation to the quality of planning and execution that has become synonymous with the marathon over the years.

Local Organizing Committee (LOC) chairman David Mwindi expects a better show this year.

"I think it's the quality of product we come out with in terms of how we are supporting the roads, how we ensure the race is well planned, that comes together to present a spectacular marathon and that's why there is a lot of interest."

“The marathon has also achieved a record sponsorship haul of KES 273 million, with Standard Chartered contributing Ksh 130 million while 56 new and long-term partners have injected an additional Ksh 143 million.

“The investment is expected to enhance the race experience and strengthen the event's impact on communities.”

Sustainability has emerged as a key focus area for this year's edition, with CFAO Mobility joining the marathon as a partner.

The company will deploy a fleet of eight vehicles, including electric and plug-in hybrid models, to support race operations and lead various race categories.

CFAO Mobility General Manager for Toyota National Sales Daniel Maundu said: "Our fleet of eight vehicles including both electric and plug-in hybrid models will lead the different race categories, opening up the course and supporting runners throughout the event, bringing sustainability into the partnership in a tangible way.

“For us, this is about supporting the marathon today while showcasing the more sustainable mobility solutions that will shape how Kenya moves in the future."

Beyond the competition, organizers announced that the marathon has already met its Ksh 90 million fundraising target for community enrichment programmes.

Since its inception in 2003, the event has attracted more than 345,000 participants and raised approximately Ksh 520 million through the Standard Chartered Foundation to support employability, entrepreneurship and skills development programmes targeting young people, women and persons with disabilities.

The marathon is also increasingly serving as a pathway for emerging athletes. Working closely with Athletics Kenya, organizers are using the event to identify promising talent and provide a platform for runners seeking to launch competitive athletics careers.

Starting and finishing at Uhuru Gardens, the route will traverse the Southern Bypass and feature the 42-kilometre Full Marathon, 21-kilometre Half Marathon, 10-kilometre Road Race, 21-kilometre Wheelchair Race and the 5-kilometre Family Fun Run, alongside the CEO Challenge and Corporate Challenge.

The marathon is organized in partnership with Nairobi City County, the Ministry of Sports, Athletics Kenya, KeNHA and KURA, and is conducted under guidelines set by World Athletics, the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), Athletics Kenya and the Ministry of Health.