The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has secured a record combined sponsorship of KES 273 million for its 23rd edition, ahead of the race on 25 October 2026.

Standard Chartered has committed KES 130 million to the event, while sponsors have contributed KES 143 million in cash and in-kind support.

More than 30,000 runners representing 102 nationalities, including over 400 elite athletes, are expected to participate.

The 2026 edition brings together 56 sponsors, up from 43 in 2025, representing a 30% increase.

The combined sponsorship value is 17% higher than the KES 233 million secured in 2025 and 58% higher than the KES 173 million raised in 2024, reflecting the growing commitment of Standard Chartered and Kenya’s corporate and development sponsors to purpose-driven sports sponsorship.

The additional support will enhance race operations, including runner safety and welfare, nutrition and hydration, technology, transport and logistics, while extending the marathon’s long-term community impact.

Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL) has contributed KES 10 million as the 21 km Half Marathon rights holder.

Other significant sponsor contributions include KES 13 million from Tetra Pak as a hydration sponsor; KES 9.8 million from Healthy U in support of GU gels; KES 8.6 million from ORS as an electrolyte sponsor; KES 7.8 million from Little Limited as the accreditation sponsor; KES 5.8 million from Rohto as the relief station sponsor; KES 5 million from Blue Band in support of a mist station; KES 5 million from Unicaf as the sustainability sponsor; KES 4.5 million from Reload as a isotonic sponsor; and KES 4.4 million from Coca-Cola as the refreshment sponsor.

Nike and Spiro will make their debut as marathon sponsors, contributing KES 5 million and KES 4 million, respectively.

Nike joins as the official apparel sponsor, while Spiro will support the marathon’s entertainment offering.

David Mwindi, Chairman of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon Local Organising Committee, said the collective investment would strengthen race delivery and deepen the marathon’s impact beyond race day.
“This record KES 273 million investment reflects the shared commitment of Standard Chartered and our sponsors to delivering a world-class marathon with lasting impact.

Joyce Kibe, Standard Chartered’s Head, Corporate Affairs, Brand & Marketing, Kenya & Africa, said the marathon delivers significant value to sponsors: “The marathon brings together more than 30,000 runners, clients, colleagues, communities and visitors from around the world, giving brands a powerful platform to connect with people while creating measurable value for Nairobi and its communities. But numbers alone do not define a great runner experience. What matters is how people feel and what they remember.”

Speaking on KWAL’s contribution, Alice Mwalimo, KWAL’s Commercial Director said: “Our sponsorship of the 21 km Half Marathon reflects KWAL’s commitment to supporting active lifestyles and shared community experiences. We are pleased to contribute to an event that brings together runners of different abilities while creating lasting social impact beyond the finish line.

Other sponsors supporting the marathon include: EABL, Harley’s Limited, Carrefour Supermarkets, Unilever, Peptang, PZ Cussons, Molfix and Molped, G4S, Accurate Steel Mill, Orbit, Razco Limited, Indomie, Kenya Pipeline, Old Spice, Ariel and Downy, Panadol Extra Soluble, Eden Cabs and Beta Healthcare.

Starting and finishing at Uhuru Gardens, the route will run along the Southern Bypass and feature the 42 km Full Marathon, 21 km Half Marathon, 10 km Road Race, 21 km Wheelchair Race and 5 km Family Fun Run, as well as the CEO Challenge and Corporate Challenge.

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.
These 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, and follows guidelines set by World Athletics, the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), Athletics Kenya and the Ministry of Health. ENDS…//