Marathon Launch

The 2012 Standard Chartered Nairobi marathon was launched with pomp and colour on the 12^th of September 2012. The event marked 10 years since the marathon was first launched in 2003 and was graced by officials of the athletics and sports fraternities.

            The launch started off with a commemorative torch tour race that was flagged of at City Hall, which is where the first marathon started in 2003.  Nairobi Mayor George Aladwa lit the torch before the runners proceeded to the Standard Chartered headquarters in Chiromo. The runners included the Standard Chartered staff, sponsors and partners.

            At Chiromo, the runners were received by the Sports Minister Paul Otuoma, Athletics Kenya Chairman Isaiah Kiplagat as well as other sports officials. Other invited guests were also present to witness the grand event.

            In his speech, Standard Chartered Bank’s CEO Richard Etemesi said that since the marathon was first launched in 2003, all its objectives had been met. In 2003, the target was to raise funds to restore the eyesight of 28,000 people. That target was immensely surpassed as that year; the Bank achieved twice its initial target.

            Since 2003, the Bank has raised US $ 1 million for the ‘Seeing is Believing’ initiative. The funds have been used to tackle avoidable blindness in five projects countrywide.

            Speaking at the launch, Standard Chartered Bank’s Head of Corporate Affairs Annie Kinuthia explained the implications of lack of sight. “Avoidable blindness is not just a health issue but an economic issue. For many, going blind can mean the end of their education, job, livelihood and independence. They have fewer opportunities to provide for their families and the communities that support them,” she said.

            Through the ‘Seeing is Believing’ initiative and in partnership with Christian Blind Mission, needy children have benefitted from eye surgeries in five partner hospitals; Kikuyu Eye Hospital, Kwale District Eye Centre, Lighthouse for Christ Eye Centre, Sabatia Eye Hospital and Tenwek Hospital Eye Unit. “We have changed the lives of over 4,500 children, purchased state of the art equipment for our partnering hospitals and provided capacity development opportunities for eye care medical personnel,” Richard Etemesi said during the launch.

            “I would like to call upon all Kenyans to turn out in large numbers and register for the 2012 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon and in doing so, join hands with us in Running for a Reason, thus giving a child sight,” Richard Etemesi concluded as the launch came to a close.

            Registration for the marathon is now open on www.nairobimarathon.com, all Standard Chartered branches countrywide and in Nakumatt outlets. The marathon will be held on 28^th October 2012 with this year’s theme being, ‘Run for a reason.’