Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon Secures Record KSh273 Million Sponsorship
The combined sponsorship value is 17 percent higher than the KSh233 million secured in 2025 and 58 percent above the KSh173 million raised in 2024.
By Robert Mutasi
The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has secured a record KSh273 million in combined sponsorship and support for its 23rd edition, scheduled for October 25.
Standard Chartered has committed KSh130 million to the event, while other corporate and development partners have contributed KSh143 million in cash and in-kind support, according to a statement issued by the organisers.
The 2026 marathon has attracted 56 sponsors, up from 43 last year, representing a 30 percent increase. The combined sponsorship value is 17 percent higher than the KSh233 million secured in 2025 and 58 percent above the KSh173 million raised in 2024.
Organisers expect more than 30,000 runners from 102 nationalities to participate, including more than 400 elite athletes.
The increased support will be used to strengthen race operations, including runner safety and welfare, nutrition, hydration, technology, transport and logistics. It will also support community programmes linked to the marathon.
Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL) has contributed KSh10 million as the rights holder for the 21-kilometre Half Marathon. Tetra Pak is providing KSh13 million as the hydration sponsor, while Healthy U has contributed KSh9.8 million towards GU gels.
ORS has committed KSh8.6 million for electrolyte support, while Little Limited is providing KSh7.8 million as the accreditation partner.
Other major contributions include KSh5.8 million from Rohto for relief stations, KSh5 million from Blue Band for a mist station and KSh5 million from Unicaf as the sustainability sponsor.
Reload has contributed KSh4.5 million as the isotonic sponsor, while Coca-Cola is providing KSh4.4 million for refreshments.
Nike and Spiro will make their debut as marathon sponsors. Nike has committed KSh5 million as the official apparel sponsor, while Spiro will provide KSh4 million towards the event’s entertainment programme.
David Mwindi, chairman of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon Local Organising Committee, said the investment would strengthen the delivery of the race and extend its impact beyond the event.
“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,” Mwindi said.
He added that the support would help expand opportunities for young people through employability, entrepreneurship and skills development.
Joyce Kibe, Standard Chartered’s head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing for Kenya and Africa, said the marathon brings together runners, clients, employees, communities and visitors from different parts of the world.
The race will start and finish at Uhuru Gardens, with the route running along the Southern Bypass.
It will feature the 42-kilometre Full Marathon, 21-kilometre Half Marathon, 10-kilometre Road Race, 21-kilometre Wheelchair Race and 5-kilometre Family Fun Run. The programme will also include the CEO Challenge and Corporate Challenge.
A wide range of companies will support different aspects of the event. They 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.
Greenspoon, La Roche, Dairyland, Fitbeat and Jadah Spas Limited will support nutrition, sun protection, refreshments, fitness, wellness and post-race recovery.
PTG will handle kit fulfilment, while AAR Healthcare and Aga Khan University Hospital will provide emergency and medical services. BasiGo will support transport and NTT will provide data and connectivity services.
Takataka and JLL, operating as Hurricane Global, will support cleaning, while CFAO will provide the lead car. Kisskids will provide lactation stations and Uchumi will support parking and shelving.
Magical Kenya, Jambojet, Kenya Wildlife Service and Kenya Airways are supporting the event’s sports tourism component. Ole Sereni and Hyatt Regency are the hospitality sponsors, while CBM is supporting inclusion. Nation Media Group and BPR Agency are the media partners.
Since its inception, the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has attracted more than 345,000 participants and raised approximately KSh520 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, the Kenya National Highways Authority and the Kenya Urban Roads Authority.
The event follows guidelines established by World Athletics, the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races, Athletics Kenya and the Ministry of Health.
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