Over 25,000 people have registered to participate in the 2024 Standard Chartered Marathon, which according to Nairobi Marathon Local Organising Committee chairperson Peter Gitau is their highest record in terms of registration.
Gitau said that the marathon, which is set to take place on Sunday, October 27th, 2024, will have different categories: 42 km, 21 km wheelchair race, and a 5 km family run.
“The route will have designated areas for spectators, pacers, and water mists to create an exciting experience for the participants,” he said.
Addressing the media during a status briefing, Gitau assured partners that there will be enough water, electrolytes, and fruits so that people can remain hydrated.
The chairperson revealed that there will be a prize money and added that they have increased their kitty to Sh 12,900,000.
“We have increased the prize money for the 42km from Sh750,000 to Sh1 million for both men and women. We are currently doing a kitty collection around Uhuru Gardens from 23rd to 26th October 2024, and there will be no collection on the marathon day,” he emphasized.
Standard Chartered Head of Corporate Affairs and Brand Marketing, Ms. Joyce Kibe, revealed that they have managed to register 300,000 participants in the marathon since the onset of the Nairobi Marathon.
She stated that three years ago, Standard Chartered started the Future Makers Initiative to educate the youth, especially women and people living with disabilities.
“Today, through the programme, we have raised Sh95 million, which is the highest donation that we have received from Africa in terms of people registering for the marathon,” said Ms. Kibe.
She assured the media that the National Police Service would be stationed at the marathon to boost security.
Superintendent Officer Boniface Otieno from the Kenya Police Service announced that there would be a closure of roads at certain routes, such as the Southern Bypass, to accommodate the marathon.
“Consequently, the marathon stretch shall be closed on 26th October 23, 2024, from 11:59 pm to 1:30 pm on 27th October 2024, where we will open the road for public use,” he emphasized.
In terms of security, Otieno announced that the National Police Service would deploy police officers for general protection, DCI officers, and traffic officers to control traffic and boost security during the marathon.
By Mwendwa Mwenda
