The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has secured a record KES 273 million in combined sponsorship for its 23rd edition, with more than 30,000 runners expected to take part on October 25, 2026.
Standard Chartered has committed KES 130 million, while other sponsors have contributed KES 143 million in cash and in-kind support.
The event has attracted 56 sponsors, up from 43 last year, representing a 30 per cent increase. The sponsorship package is also 17 per cent higher than the KES 233 million secured in 2025 and 58 per cent above the KES 173 million raised in 2024.
The additional funding will support runner safety and welfare, nutrition and hydration, technology, transport and logistics, as well as programmes aimed at creating a lasting community impact.
More than 400 elite athletes are expected among the participants, who will represent 102 nationalities.
Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL) has contributed KES 10 million as the rights holder for the 21km Half Marathon, while Tetra Pak has committed KES 13 million as hydration sponsor.
Other major sponsors include Healthy U, which has contributed KES 9.8 million in support of GU gels; ORS with KES 8.6 million as electrolyte sponsor; Little Limited with KES 7.8 million as accreditation sponsor; and Rohto with KES 5.8 million as relief station sponsor.
Blue Band and Unicaf have each contributed KES 5 million, while Reload has committed KES 4.5 million and Coca-Cola KES 4.4 million.
Nike and Spiro will make their debut as marathon sponsors, contributing KES 5 million and KES 4 million respectively. Nike will serve as the official apparel sponsor, while Spiro will support the event’s entertainment programme.
David Mwindi, Chairman of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon Local Organising Committee, said the increased investment would strengthen the race and expand its impact beyond the event.
He said the sponsorship would help provide a safe and memorable experience for participants while creating opportunities for young people through employability, entrepreneurship and skills development.
Joyce Kibe, Standard Chartered’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing, Kenya and Africa, said the marathon provides sponsors with a platform to engage with thousands of runners, clients, employees and communities while supporting Nairobi.
The race will start and finish at Uhuru Gardens and feature the 42km Full Marathon, 21km Half Marathon, 10km Road Race, 21km Wheelchair Race and 5km Family Fun Run, alongside the CEO and Corporate Challenges.
Since its inception, the marathon has attracted more than 345,000 participants and raised approximately KES 520 million for programmes supported through the Standard Chartered Foundation.
The programmes focus on employability, entrepreneurship and skills development for young people, women and people with disabilities.
The marathon is organised in partnership with Nairobi City County, the Ministry of Sports, Athletics Kenya, KeNHA and KURA.
