Over 1,000 runners took part in the Friends of Karura Anniversary Race held in Karura Forest on Sunday, an event designed to prepare participants for the 23rd Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon scheduled for October 25 at Uhuru Gardens. The race featured distances of 21km, 10km, 5km, and 2km, drawing athletes, families, and community members for a day focused on sports, fitness, and environmental conservation. Following the races, attendees enjoyed a family-friendly celebration and a Berlin Marathon watch party at Amani Gardens, underscoring the event’s dual role in promoting physical activity and community engagement.
Joyce Kibe, Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing at Standard Chartered Bank Kenya and Africa, emphasized the significance of the warm-up races in helping runners refine their preparation and build camaraderie ahead of the main event. She highlighted the convergence of running, family, and environmental stewardship at Karura Forest, noting the marathon’s broader impact in uniting communities through sport and social causes. Kibe also reiterated the event’s role in fostering global participation, with the 2026 marathon expected to attract over 30,000 runners from 102 countries, including more than 400 elite athletes from nations such as Uganda, Ghana, Tanzania, Brazil, and Ethiopia.
Peter Njui, Operations Manager of the Friends of Karura Anniversary Race, underscored the event’s commitment to celebrating Karura Forest and its conservation efforts in collaboration with the Kenya Forest Service. He praised Standard Chartered’s long-standing partnership, which has supported the running community through preparatory races and broader initiatives. The marathon, now in its 23rd edition, has raised approximately Ksh 520 million for the Standard Chartered Foundation, funding programs in employability, entrepreneurship, and skills development for marginalized groups. This year’s event has secured record sponsorship of Ksh 273 million, with Standard Chartered contributing Ksh 130 million and additional support from other sponsors.
The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon continues to grow as a platform for sports, community engagement, and social impact. Since its inception, it has attracted over 345,000 participants, with the 2026 edition poised to set new benchmarks in global participation and charitable contributions. The Friends of Karura race, as a key preparatory event, reflects the marathon’s enduring legacy of uniting diverse communities through shared goals of health, environmental preservation, and economic empowerment. The main race will take place on October 25, with organizers anticipating a record turnout of international athletes and local runners alike.