NAIROBI, Kenya | September 22, 2026 — The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has secured a record KSh273 million in combined sponsorship and support for its 23rd edition, as organisers prepare for the race scheduled for October 25, 2026.
Of the total amount, financial powerhouse Standard Chartered has committed KSh130 million to the event, while sponsors have provided a further KSh143 million in cash and in-kind support.
More than 30,000 runners from 102 nationalities, including over 400 elite athletes, are expected to participate in this year’s marathon, which has attracted 56 sponsors, up from 43 in 2025.
The combined sponsorship value of KSh273 million represents a 17 per cent increase from the KSh233 million secured in 2025 and a 58 per cent rise from the KSh173 million raised in 2024.
Marathon Sponsorship Hits Record High
Speaking during a media briefing at the iconic Ole Sereni Hotel, Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon Local Organising Committee Chairman David Mwindi attributed the growth in sponsorship to the event’s ability to deliver on its commitments while creating a wider community impact.
“So this year we’ve attracted about 56 sponsors. In total that’s coming to about 272 million shillings in terms of cash and in kind,” Mwindi said.
He said sponsors were increasingly identifying with the marathon because of its community impact and the organisers’ consistency in delivering on their commitments.
“For us every year it’s becoming easier to be able to attract more sponsors because we always deliver on what we promise,” he said.
KSh90 Million Foundation Target Already Achieved
The marathon is also raising funds for programmes supported through the Standard Chartered Foundation.
Mwindi said organisers had set a target of raising about KSh90 million through the marathon and had already achieved the target through participant registrations.
“So we were targeting to raise about 90 million for our Standard Chartered Foundation. And from the registrations, we’ve already achieved that,” he said.
Since its inception, the marathon has attracted more than 345,000 participants and raised approximately KSh520 million for programmes supported through the Standard Chartered Foundation.
30,700 Participants Expected
Standard Chartered Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing, Kenya and Africa, Joyce Kibe, said the marathon has grown substantially since it was launched 23 years ago.
“Many years ago, that’s 23 years ago, we started with only 500 participants. We are now at 30,700 participants coming for the Marathon,” Kibe said.
She said the marathon had evolved beyond a one-day sporting event, with sponsors supporting activities and participant engagement in the months leading up to race day.
“The value of our sponsors is to make sure that we give a great experience to our Marathon participants. We don’t just do it for the day of the Marathon. We do it over a series of months,” she said.
Kibe said the event now brings together sport, business and community impact, with participants from 102 nationalities expected to take part this year.
KWAL Commits KSh10 Million to Half Marathon
Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL) Commercial Director Alice Mwalimo said the company is supporting the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon through its Heineken Zero and Savannah Zero brands, linking the partnership to its responsible drinking and sustainability agenda.
She said the marathon provides an opportunity for KWAL to promote moderation while supporting wellness and bringing communities together.
“Why do we sponsor the Standard Chartered Marathon? Because it is in line with our responsible drinking, and we sponsor it through two key brands, that’s Heineken Zero and Savannah Zero,” Mwalimo said.
KWAL is supporting the 21km Half Marathon to the value of KSh10 million.
Nike, Spiro Make Marathon Debut
Nike and Spiro will make their debut as sponsors of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon in 2026.
Nike will serve as the official apparel sponsor, contributing KSh5 million, while Spiro will support the entertainment programme with KSh4 million.
Other major sponsors include Tetra Pak, which is contributing KSh13 million as the hydration sponsor; Healthy U, with KSh9.8 million for GU gels; ORS, with KSh8.6 million as the electrolyte sponsor; Little Limited, with KSh7.8 million as the accreditation sponsor; and Rohto, with KSh5.8 million as the relief station sponsor.
The 2026 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.
The event will also feature the CEO Challenge and Corporate Challenge, with the 23rd edition scheduled for October 25, 2026.