The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has secured a record combined sponsorship of Ksh 273 million for its 23rd edition, ahead of the race on 25 October 2026.
Standard Chartered has committed Ksh 130 million to the event, while sponsors have contributed Ksh 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 Ksh 233 million secured in 2025 and 58% higher than the Ksh 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.
Who are the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon sponsors?
Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL) has contributed Ksh 10 million as the 21 km Half Marathon rights holder. Other significant sponsor contributions include Ksh 13 million from Tetra Pak as a hydration sponsor; Ksh 9.8 million from Healthy U in support of GU gels; Ksh 8.6 million from ORS as an electrolyte sponsor; Ksh 7.8 million from Little Limited as the accreditation sponsor; Ksh 5.8 million from Rohto as the relief station sponsor; Ksh 5 million from Blue Band in support of a mist station; Ksh 5 million from Unicaf as the sustainability sponsor; Ksh 4.5 million from Reload as a isotonic sponsor; and Ksh 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 Ksh 273 million investment reflects the shared commitment of Standard Chartered and our sponsors to delivering a world-class marathon with lasting impact. Beyond creating a safe and memorable experience for more than 30,000 runners, this support enables us to expand opportunities for young people through employability, entrepreneurship and skills development. We are grateful to every sponsor helping us make this year’s marathon our most impactful yet,” said Mr Mwindi.
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.”
Standard Chartered’s flagship running events
The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon is one of the Bank’s most strategic global brand platforms. It ranks among the top three of Standard Chartered’s 10 flagship running events across four continents, within a global platform that reaches approximately 250,000 runners.
Nairobi combines mass participation, client and colleague engagement, international visibility and community impact, making it one of the Group’s largest and most consequential running properties.
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.
Greenspoon, La Roche, Dairyland, Fitbeat and Jadah Spas Limited are the fruit, sunscreen, ice cream, fitness and wellness, and post-run recovery support sponsors, respectively, completing the nutrition and recovery sponsor category.
The event operations and infrastructure sponsors include PTG for kit fulfilment; AAR Healthcare and Aga Khan University Hospital for emergency and medical support; BasiGo for transport; and NTT for data and connectivity. Takataka and JLL (Hurricane Global) are supporting cleaning, while CFAO is providing the lead car, Kisskids is providing lactation stations, and Uchumi is supporting parking and shelving.
Magical Kenya, Jambojet, KWS and Kenya Airways are supporting the marathon’s sports tourism offering, while Ole Sereni and Hyatt Regency are the hospitality sponsors. CBM is supporting inclusion, with Nation Media Group and BPR Agency serving as the media partners.
Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon route
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.
