More than 1,000 runners stormed the scenic trails of Karura Forest on Sunday for the Friends of Karura Anniversary Race, a key build-up event to the 23rd edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon set for October 25 at Uhuru Gardens.
The warm-up race featured 21km, 10km, 5km and 2km distances, drawing elite hopefuls, recreational runners, families and nature lovers for a vibrant day that blended competitive running, fitness and environmental conservation.
The action on the trails was followed by a family celebration and a Berlin Marathon watch party at Amani Gardens.
The Friends of Karura Anniversary Race is one of several warm-up events supported by Standard Chartered to help athletes fine-tune their preparations ahead of this year’s Nairobi Marathon.
This year’s edition has attracted more than 30,000 participants from a record 102 nationalities, including over 400 elite athletes.
This year’s international field will feature athletes from Uganda, Ghana, Tanzania, Brazil and Ethiopia among other nations, underlining the marathon’s growing global appeal.
“The warm-up races are an important part of the journey towards the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, giving runners an opportunity to test their preparation, build confidence and connect with fellow participants ahead of the main race.”
“We are pleased to see such strong participation at Karura, where running, family and environmental conservation come together. The event reflects the wider role of the marathon in bringing communities together through sport and around causes that matter,” said Joyce Kibe, Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing at Standard Chartered Bank Kenya and Africa.
“The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has been one of our sponsors for years, and we value the partnership and support it has provided to the running community.”
”The warm-up races give runners an opportunity to prepare for the marathon while bringing people together around causes that matter to our communities,” said Peter Njui, Operations Manager of the Friends of Karura Anniversary Race.
“For us, the Friends of Karura Anniversary Race is also about celebrating Karura Forest and the work we continue to do with the Kenya Forest Service to protect and preserve this important green space. We are pleased to partner with Standard Chartered once again and welcome runners and families to Karura.”
Beyond the finish line, the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has evolved into a powerful platform for sport, community participation and social impact.
Since its inception, the race has attracted more than 345,000 participants and raised approximately Sh520 million through the Standard Chartered Foundation.
The funds support programmes focused on employability, entrepreneurship and skills development for young people, women and persons with disabilities.
The 23rd edition has also secured a record Sh273 million sponsorship package, with Standard Chartered contributing Sh130 million and partners adding a further Sh143 million in cash and in-kind support.