The 20th edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi marathon will be held at Uhuru Gardens on October 29, race organisers have confirmed.
Speaking during the launch in Nairobi on Sunday, Joyce Kibe, the Standard Chartered head of corporate affairs, brand, and marketing said they are targeting over 25,000 participants in the physical marathon.
"The physical marathon will take place on the Southern Bypass on October 29, with Uhuru Gardens serving as the race site. From October 22 to 29, we will have satellite marathons in Kisumu, Mombasa and Eldoret," Kibe said.
"The 42km male and female, 21km both genders, 10km both categories, 21km wheelchair male and female, 5km family fun run race and the Corporate Relay Challenge will all be part of the event," she continued.
Kibe noted that the marathon will be held under the theme ‘20 years of running’ to highlight two successful decades of the bank’s commitment to delivering a cutting-edge World Athletics-accredited sporting event.
"With this 20th edition, we intend to give you an experience like no other. This is a significant milestone for us as well as our partners, sponsors, and the runners who have consistently supported our initiative in developing a future generation, Kibe said.
"Our World Athletics-approved international marathon is the springboard for many young athletes in Kenya to launch their athletic careers and enhance their standard of living," she observed.
This year's edition is designed to champion the "Future Makers" program, launched in 2019.
Athletics Kenya chairperson Jackson Tuwei was delighted saying:
"I commend Standard Chartered for annually hosting this environmentally friendly marathon for the past 200 years and for fostering Kenya's sporting culture, encouraging young athletes to follow their goals and exhibiting the exceptional running potential of our country," Tuwei said.
She added: "With its PWD race category, the Nairobi Marathon encourages diversity by bringing together athletes from different origins, races and genders. This unintentionally encourages a love of athletics and develops potential at the grassroots level."