Standard Chartered Marathon targets 30,000 runners

The 23rd edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon launched today, aiming for more than 30,000 participants from over 100 nationalities for this year's race.

The marathon will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Uhuru Gardens under the theme "Together We Run Further."

The bank aims to raise KSh.76 million through the event to support programmes run by the Standard Chartered Foundation, which focuses on improving education, employability and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people.

Speaking during the launch, Standard Chartered Kenya Chief Executive Officer Birju Sanghrajka said the marathon continues to demonstrate the bank's commitment to creating lasting social impact beyond banking.

The theme this year is to encourage Kenyans to challenge themselves while supporting programmes that equip young people with the skills and opportunities they need to learn, earn and grow.

Since the marathon began in 2003, the event has attracted more than 345,000 participants from around the world, growing into one of Kenya's premier road races and one of Africa's leading sporting events.

According to the organisers, funds raised through the marathon support initiatives including Women in Tech, RISE, Links to Work and SOMO Access to Finance, which provide skills training, mentorship, employment opportunities and entrepreneurship support for young people, women and persons with disabilities.

The 2025 edition attracted 30,602 runners from 92 nationalities, including more than 200 elite athletes. Participation by persons with disabilities also increased to 184 athletes.

Local Organising Committee Chairman David Mwindi said the marathon remains Kenya's only World Athletics Road Race Label event and that organisers have introduced several improvements to enhance the experience for all participants.

These include an upgraded digital registration platform, dedicated spectator zones, professional pacing teams, expanded hydration and nutrition stations, mobile medical support and interactive route activations.

This year's event will feature eight races. The categories include: the 42km Full Marathon, 21km Half Marathon, 10km Road Race, 21km Wheelchair Race, 5km Family Fun Run, CEO Challenge, Corporate Challenge and the Mombasa Satellite Run.

Organisers are also strengthening sustainability efforts by reducing waste, increasing recycling and reducing the use of single-use plastics. Also, every race finisher will receive a tree seedling to promote environmental conservation.

I know what you are all thinking. What are the prizes? The winners of the 42km marathon will receive KSh.2 million, while the half marathon and wheelchair race champions will each earn KSh.300,000. Winners of the 10km race will take home KSh.200,000, while the winning Corporate Relay and Persons with Disabilities teams will each receive KSh.100,000.