Transformative Marathon, now in its 21st year, will focus on empowering youth across Kenya
Preparations for the 21st edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon are on with the winner in the 42 kilometer category to take home Sh2 million in cash prizes.
The marathon, sponsored by Standard Chartered PLC, will take place on October 27, 2024 at Nairobi’s Uhuru Gardens with 23,000 people from across the world but largely from Kenya expected to participate.
Mr Peter Gitau, the Chairman, Local Organizing Committee of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, said that all the proceeds from the Marathon will go towards Futuremakers Initiative.
The Futuremakers Initiative supports youth community impact initiatives while focusing on projects across three pillars- Education, Employability and Entrepreneurship.
“The Marathon firmly focuses on supporting the young, the disadvantaged people especially girls and persons with disabilities to gain new skills and expertise to improve their chances of getting a job or starting their own business,” said Mr Gitau.

Registration for the race is ongoing on www.nairobimarathon.com and it is expected to attract 23,000 participants this year.
Over the last 20 years since the Marathon was started, over Sh750 million from the race’s proceeds have been raised to help disadvantaged Kenyans gain access to essential services and opportunities.
The Futuremakers by Standard Chartered is also focused on breaking down barriers to opportunities and empowering the next generation to make meaningful contributions to the world around them.
“All marathon proceeds go towards the Futuremakers Initiative. Our goal is to raise more resources to tackle inequality and promote economic inclusion for our younger generation,” added Mr Gitau.
Since its first edition in 2003, the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has grown tremendously and has earned recognition from World Athletics and the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AMS).
Having attracted over 290,000participants across its 20 editions, it is currently the largest single-day sporting event in Kenya. In 2023, “we celebrated our 20th anniversary hosting over 22,000 runners from across 94 countries, over 200 of these being persons with disability.”
An additional 2,385 runners took part in the satellite runs in Kisumu, Kakamega and Mombasa.
“Our scenic route along the Southern Bypass allows for great views of the Nairobi National Park,” said Mr Gitau.
The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon received World Athletic Accreditation as a World Road Race last year after rigorous check on accuracy on marathon route measurement, elevation changes, event and route layout, runner support and safety among other factors affecting the race.
“This accreditation not only enhances the event’s prestige but also provides elite athletes with a platform to compete and set records on an internationally acclaimed course,” said Mr Gitau.
The organizing committee is currently working closely with the World Athletics, Athletics Kenya and other sporting partners to attain an ‘Elite’ Label and climb further up in the marathon World Athletics rankings.
Lt. Gen (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei, the President of the Athletics Kenya (AK), noted that the Marathon has emerged as a central element of the country’s sporting calendar, “promoting a continued pipeline of talent to one of Kenya’s strongest athletic disciplines.”
“We strongly support the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon and will continue to work with the bank to develop the Marathon further both in terms of organization standards, enhanced technical requirements and sustainability,” said Lt. Gen (Rtd) Tuwei.
The Marathon features seven race categories- the 42 km men and women, 21 km men and women, 10 km men and women, 21 km wheelchair men and women, 5 km Family Fun Run race, CEO Challenge and the Corporate Relay Challenge.
The top 10 finishers in the 42 kilometre category will pocket Sh2 million, Sh750,000, Sh500,000, Sh150,000, Sh100,000, Sh50,000, Sh40,000, Sh30,000, Sh20,000 and Sh10,000 respectively.
The top three finishers in the 21 kilometre, 21 kilometre wheelchair and 10 kilometre categories will each take home Sh300,000, Sh150,000 and Sh100,000 respectively.
The first of a series of warm up races have already taken place at Tatu City, with additional satellite runs expected to take place in Mombasa, Kakamega, and Kisumu ahead of the main event in October.
Standard Chartered PLC is a leading international banking group, with a presence in 53 of the world’s most dynamic markets and serving clients in a further 64 countries.
The Bank’s purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through its unique diversity and its heritage and values are expressed in its brand promise here for good.
Standard Chartered PLC is listed on the London and Hong Kong stock exchanges.