Bigger, Better, Richer: Standard Chartered Marathon Attracts 56 Sponsors, KES 273M

By Bruno Aero Family Media Staff Writer

 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon Secures Record KES 273 Million in Sponsorship and Support

The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has secured a record combined sponsorship of KES 273 million  for its 23rd edition set for 25 October 2026.

Standard Chartered has committed KES 130 million to the event, while sponsors have contributed KES 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 KES 233 million secured in 2025 and 58% higher than the KES 173 million raised in 2024.

The support will enhance race operations including runner safety, nutrition and hydration, technology, transport and logistics, while extending community impact.

Key Sponsors Breakdown:

 Kenya Wine Agencies Ltd (KWAL) KES 10M  21km Half Marathon rights holder

- Tetra Pak:KES 13M – Hydration sponsor

- Healthy U: KES 9.8M – GU gels

- ORS:KES 8.6M – Electrolyte sponsor

- Little Limited: KES 7.8M – Accreditation sponsor

- Rohto: KES 5.8M – Relief station

- Blue Band & Unicaf:KES 5M each

- Reload & Coca-Cola:KES 4.5M and 4.4M

- Nike (KES 5M) & Spiro (KES 4M): Debut as apparel and entertainment sponsors

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, said David Mwindi, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee

 The marathon brings together more than 30,000 runners  giving brands a powerful platform to connect with people while creating measurable value for Nairobi," said Joyce Kibe, Head, Corporate Affairs, Brand & Marketing, Kenya & Africa

Other Partners: EABL Harley's, Carrefour Unilever, PZ Cussons, Kenya Pipeline, Old Spice, G4S, Molfix, Indomie, among others. Operations support from AAR Healthcare, Aga Khan University Hospital, NTT, BasiGo, PTG, CFAO (lead car), Uchumi, KisKids, and more. Tourism partners: Magical Kenya, Jambojet, KWS, Kenya Airways.

Starting and finishing at Uhuru Gardens, the route will run along the Southern Bypass and feature 42km Full Marathon, 21km Half Marathon, 10km Road Race, 21km Wheelchair Race, 5km Family Fun Run and the CEO Challenge.