Over 1,000 runners compete in Friends of Karura race setting pace for Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon

Over 1,000 runners converged on Karura Forest for the Friends of Karura Anniversary Race on Sunday, a vital event that paves the way for the 23rd Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon scheduled for October 25 at Uhuru Gardens. The race featured distances ranging from 21km to 2km, drawing participants, families, and the community for a day centered on sports, fitness, and environmental stewardship.

Following the races, a family-oriented celebration and a Berlin Marathon watch party took place at Amani Gardens. The Friends of Karura Anniversary Race is one of many preparatory events sponsored by Standard Chartered, designed to help runners prepare for the main marathon. Anticipated to draw over 30,000 participants from 102 countries, the main race is expected to see more than 400 elite athletes compete.

Joyce Kibe, Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing at Standard Chartered Bank Kenya and Africa, expressed satisfaction with the strong turnout at Karura, noting that the warm-up races provide runners with a chance to test their readiness, boost confidence, and network with fellow competitors ahead of the main event. "The standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has been a partner of our running community for years, and we appreciate the support it has given," said Peter Njui, Operations Manager of the Friends of Karura Anniversary Race.

"Our race is about celebrating Karura Forest and the work we do with the Kenya Forest Service to protect this important green space. We are thrilled to partner with Standard Chartered once again and welcome runners and families to Karura." Since its inception, the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has drawn more than 345,000 participants and generated around Ksh 520 million for initiatives supported by the Standard Chartered Foundation.

These programs concentrate on employability, entrepreneurship, and skills development for young people, women, and individuals with disabilities. The 23rd edition has secured a record combined sponsorship of Ksh 273 million, with Standard Chartered contributing Ksh 130 million and other sponsors adding Ksh 143 million in cash and in-kind support.

The 23rd Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon is set to occur on October 25 at Uhuru Gardens, with an estimated 30,000 runners from 102 nationalities participating alongside over 400 elite athletes.