The 2026 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon is set to be the largest edition yet, with a record 30,700 registered runners and over 200 elite athletes from 102 nationalities participating in the event on October 25 at Uhuru Gardens. This milestone highlights the growing global appeal of the marathon, which has become one of Africa's premier road races. The event's popularity is attributed to the quality of planning and execution that has become synonymous with the marathon over the years.
Local Organizing Committee (LOC) chairman David Mwindi expects a better show this year, citing the quality of product presented in terms of road support and planning. The marathon has achieved a record sponsorship haul of KES 273 million, with Standard Chartered contributing Ksh 130 million and 56 new and long-term partners injecting an additional Ksh 143 million. This investment is expected to enhance the race experience and strengthen the event's impact on communities.
Sustainability has emerged as a key focus area for this year's edition, with CFAO Mobility joining the marathon as a partner. The company will deploy a fleet of eight vehicles, including electric and plug-in hybrid models, to support race operations and lead various race categories. CFAO Mobility General Manager for Toyota National Sales Daniel Maundu stated that their fleet will bring sustainability into the partnership in a tangible way.
The marathon has already met its Ksh 90 million fundraising target for community enrichment programmes. Since its inception in 2003, the event has attracted more than 345,000 participants and raised approximately Ksh 520 million through the Standard Chartered Foundation to support employability, entrepreneurship, and skills development programmes targeting young people, women, and persons with disabilities.
The marathon is also increasingly serving as a pathway for emerging athletes, working closely with Athletics Kenya to identify promising talent and provide a platform for runners seeking to launch competitive athletics careers. The event will feature various categories, including the 42-kilometre Full Marathon, 21-kilometre Half Marathon, 10-kilometre Road Race, 21-kilometre Wheelchair Race, and the 5-kilometre Family Fun Run.
The route will traverse the Southern Bypass, starting and finishing at Uhuru Gardens. The marathon is organized in partnership with Nairobi City County, the Ministry of Sports, Athletics Kenya, KeNHA, and KURA, and is conducted under guidelines set by World Athletics, the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), Athletics Kenya, and the Ministry of Health.
The event's impact extends beyond the competition, with organizers using the marathon to identify and support local talent. With a strong focus on sustainability and community enrichment, the 2026 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon is set to be a landmark event in the region's athletics calendar.
Key points
- The 2026 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has attracted a record 30,700 registered runners and over 200 elite athletes from 102 nationalities.
- The event has achieved a record sponsorship haul of KES 273 million, with a focus on sustainability and community enrichment.
- The marathon has already met its Ksh 90 million fundraising target for community enrichment programmes, supporting employability, entrepreneurship, and skills development programmes.
