The scenic trails of Karura Forest came alive on Sunday as over 1,000 runners participated in the Friends of Karura Anniversary Race. The event, which featured 21km, 10km, 5km, and 2km distances, drew elite hopefuls, recreational runners, families, and nature lovers. The race was a key build-up event to the 23rd edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon set for October 25 at Uhuru Gardens.
The Friends of Karura Anniversary Race is one of several warm-up events supported by Standard Chartered to help athletes fine-tune their preparations ahead of this year’s Nairobi Marathon. This year's edition has attracted more than 30,000 participants from a record 102 nationalities, including over 400 elite athletes. The event reflects the growing global appeal of the marathon.
The action on the trails was followed by a family celebration and a Berlin Marathon watch party at Amani Gardens. Joyce Kibe, Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing at Standard Chartered Bank Kenya and Africa, expressed her delight at the strong participation at Karura. She noted that the warm-up races are an important part of the journey towards the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon.
According to Kibe, the event gives runners an opportunity to test their preparation, build confidence, and connect with fellow participants ahead of the main race. The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has been one of the sponsors for years, and they value the partnership and support it has provided to the running community.
Peter Njui, Operations Manager of the Friends of Karura Anniversary Race, highlighted the significance of the warm-up races. He stated that they give runners an opportunity to prepare for the marathon while bringing people together around causes that matter to their communities. The event also celebrates Karura Forest and the work done with the Kenya Forest Service to protect and preserve this important green space.
Beyond the finish line, the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has evolved into a powerful platform for sport, community participation, and social impact. Since its inception, the race has attracted more than 345,000 participants and raised approximately Sh520 million through the Standard Chartered Foundation. The funds support programmes focused on employability, entrepreneurship, and skills development for young people, women, and persons with disabilities.
The 23rd edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has secured a record Sh273 million sponsorship package, with Standard Chartered contributing Sh130 million and partners adding a further Sh143 million in cash and in-kind support. The marathon continues to bring communities together through sport and around causes that matter.
Key points
- The 23rd edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon will take place on October 25 at Uhuru Gardens.
- Over 30,000 participants from a record 102 nationalities have registered for this year's marathon.
- The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has raised approximately Sh520 million through the Standard Chartered Foundation since its inception.
