-Proceeds from the world-famous road race goes towards supporting the “Seeing is Believing and Future makers” programs;
MAARUFU MOHAMED-GOLFNEWSLINKS;
The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has contributed over KES 672 million to various projects across Kenya over the last 20 years, the organizers announced during the warm-up race held in Nairobi, Kenya over the weekend..
Proceeds from the world-famous road race have gone towards supporting the seeing is believing and Future makers programs.
Between 2003 to 2019, the race raised over KES 723 million towards seeing is believing. Since 2019, the race proceeds have supported the ‘Future makers’ initiative which tackles inequality and promotes economic inclusion for the younger generation.
To date, the Marathon has raised over KES 72 million impacting over 27,000 lives.
Chair of the Local Organizing Committee, Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon Peter Gitau said they believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to realize their potential.
This is why we are very pleased that this year’s Marathon will continue on our rich legacy of raising funds for people living with inequities. By creating more opportunities to create more inclusive communities through the support of sports, we can contribute to the development of a more accessible and equitable world in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Our commitment is to build a bridge to access for underprivileged and underserved people across Kenya. As we celebrate 20 years of impact through our Marathon, we are encouraged that we are the only Marathon on the continent that has specific races for PWDs,” said Gitau.
In the event, over 200 participants including 60 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) participated in a warm-up race ahead of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon.
The event was one of several events lined up ahead of the 20th edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon will take place on 29th October and which is expected to attract over 25,000 participants from around the world. To date, the Marathon has attracted over 270,000 participants from all walks of life.
A key focus of the race is to create an inclusive platform for PWDs.
First started with a view to increase the number of participants with disabilities in the Marathon, the PWD races have evolved from including individuals with permanent physical and visual impairments to involve people living with more diverse impairments such as intellectual disabilities.
Among the projects that are supported by proceeds from the Marathon is a program designed to enhance employability for over 3,700 youth living with disabilities.
The program is undertaken in partnership with Light for The World and involves five local universities who offer work readiness and financial training.
In 2022, the Marathon attracted 152 participants with disabilities took part in the event, compared to 86 wheelchair participants in 2021.
The Marathon currently works with partners such as the Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya (APDK), Sight Savers and Light for the World to enhance accessibility to the race for PWDs.
Last year, the Marathon spearheaded a specialized 6-week training program for PWDs, which targeted over 50 participants.
This year, the PWDs will benefit from an eight weeks training program to help prepare them for the marathon.
Persons with Disabilities can participate in the 21kms Wheelchair race and 42kms Relay race alongside the 42kms Full Marathon, 21kms Half Marathon, 10kms and the 5kms Family Fun Run.
Registration for the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon is open on www.nairobimarathon.com
Individual and corporate participants are encouraged to take advantage of the early bird entry fee of KES 2,000 up to 10th October 2022. From 10th October to 16th October, the entry fee will go up to KES 2,500.
The Standard Chartered Bank is part of a leading international banking group, with more than 100 years history in Kenya and the main purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through its unique diversity, heritage and values expressed in their Brand promise.
ENDS;
