By Sports Reporter
Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL) has committed Sh10 million to the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, reaffirming its support for the annual event and community wellness initiatives.
The beverage company, through its non-alcoholic brand Heineken 0.0, is the official partner of the 21km race. The latest sponsorship brings its total contribution to Sh25 million since 2024.
KWAL Commercial Director Alice Mwalimo said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and improving community wellbeing through sports.
“As a brand, we are committed to supporting individuals in their wellness journey and lifestyle goals, including participating in events like the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon,” she said.
The company supported the 2024 marathon with Sh5 million before increasing its contribution to Sh10 million in subsequent years.
This year’s edition attracted 30,700 runners from 102 nationalities, including 200 elite athletes, with 10,500 participants taking part in the 21km race.
Mwalimo said the growing popularity of the half marathon demonstrated the increasing appeal of running in Kenya.
“The growth of the 21km category, now the biggest race in the marathon, speaks volumes about the growth of a vibrant running culture in Kenya,” she said.
Nahason Kipsang won the men’s 21km race, followed by Wycliffe Kirwa and Kevin Kemoi. In the women’s category, Orba Chemurgor took the title ahead of Esther Porura and Mercy Kimaiyo.
The top three finishers in each category received cash prizes of Sh300,000, Sh150,000 and Sh100,000, respectively. KWAL Managing Director Lina Githuka and Mwalimo presented trophies and prizes to the winners.
Beyond promoting physical fitness, KWAL said its involvement in the marathon supports broader efforts to improve livelihoods and create opportunities for young people.
The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, which began in 2003, has grown into a major sporting event and a platform for community engagement and economic inclusion.
Mwalimo said the event also provides an opportunity for the company to support the Futuremakers initiative, a Standard Chartered programme that helps disadvantaged young people acquire skills, access employment and establish businesses.
KWAL Corporate Affairs Director Kui Kinyanjui said the partnership also aligned with Heineken 0.0’s focus on inclusive social experiences and responsible marketing.
She said the marathon brought together people from different backgrounds while allowing participants to pursue their fitness goals regardless of their lifestyle choices.
The sponsorship is also linked to Heineken 0.0’s global marketing campaign, “0.0 Reasons Needed”, which promotes acceptance of non-alcoholic choices during social occasions.
Ahead of the marathon, the brand ran an online campaign inviting runners and supporters to share their reasons for participating in the race.
Kinyanjui said running events and clubs offered opportunities for friends, families and colleagues to socialise, adding that non-alcoholic options allowed people to enjoy such occasions without alcohol being central to the experience.
