Message from the Chairman
It has taken great commitment and support, confidence from our runners, partners and sponsors to successfully deliver 18 editions of the marathon; for which we are immensely grateful.
Last year, we hosted the marathon in a new format that presented us with many opportunities. Through the support of the Ministry of Sports, Nairobi City County, Athletics Kenya, KENHA, KURA, and Tamarind Group, we were able to establish a new marathon route along the Southern Bypass and venue within Carnivore Grounds. The route was enjoyed by many among the 2,500 elite and top recreational runners.
The virtual marathon allowed us to test out the power of technology within athletics and expand our marathon experience outside the boundaries of our city. More than 5,800 runners joined us from across 60 countries to take part in the virtual marathon. Additionally, through our virtual challenges, more than 42,000 runners across the globe were encouraged to run within the four months leading up to the marathon.
This year, we will maintain the 2-in-1 format . We are excited to have the physical marathon at full capacity for the first time in two years. With the lessons learnt through the two years, we are positive that we will elevate the experience. In line with Covid – 19 guidelines; we appeal to all our runners wishing to participate in the physical marathon to be fully vaccinated before the race day.
The event will feature all the six race categories; 42km male and female, 21km male and female, 10km male and female, 21km wheelchair male and female, 5km Family Fun Run race and the Corporate Relay Challenge. Our target is to have 25,000 runners – 15,000 for the physical marathon and 10,000 for the virtual marathon. I invite you to register and participate.
The integrity of the race is of utmost importance to us. I would like to assure participants that we have put in place stringent standards to ensure that the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon measures up to the requisite World Athletics standards. Similar to the previous editions, we will continue to employ the chip technology in all races and aerial surveillance cameras from our broadcast partner.
To ensure a clean sport we collaborate closely with the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK). This will complement the services of the Race Technical Director, Route Marshals and CCTV cameras along the course.
Once again, I would like to say thank you to all our partners and stakeholders: – Ministry of Sports, Nairobi County, Athletics Kenya, Coca Cola, AAR Healthcare, Subaru Kenya, Kenya Forest Services, Tamarind Group, Standard Media Group, Dimension Data, Uhuru Gardens National monument, the Ministry of Defence and all the running clubs.
We are excited and look forward to walking this journey together.
Thank you.
Peter Gitau,
Standard Chartered Bank COO and Chairman, Nairobi Marathon Local Organising Committee.
