Nairobi International Marathon Gets a Host of New Sponsors

The Standard Chartered Nairobi International Marathon has received a major boost with thirteen sponsors adding KShs.43,696,000 million ($514,979) worth of sponsorship to the competition.

The title sponsor, Standard Chartered Bank confirmed that it will be spending KShs.80 million ($941,742) in putting the event together this year.

The Bank is sponsoring the event for the 10th year running and has committed to renew its sponsorship for another five years. Standard Chartered’s sponsorship expires this year. This brings the total event’s spend to KShs.124 million ($1.5m).

The Chairman of the Nairobi Marathon steering committee, Reuben Mbindu said, “Standard Chartered Bank is very proud to continue sponsoring the Nairobi Marathon for another five years until 2017. Every edition of the Nairobi Marathon for us is an experience that we look forward to in our commitment to deliver a world-class event for all Kenyans.”

“We are proud to be able to offer budding Kenyan athletes a platform on which they can kick start their careers; the funds raised enable young children to regain their sight, be productive and live normal lives; the rewards the participants revive through unrivaled prize money improves their wellbeing and socio-economic status; and plays a crucial role in profiling our country globally”

During the sponsors’ breakfast held at Hilton Hotel in Nairobi, 13 sponsors presented their donations, both in cash and kind to the organizers Athletics Kenya and the title sponsors Standard Chartered Bank.

Mbindu said: “Your contributions make it possible for us to continuously improve the marathon year on year. Being the largest sporting event in Kenya, the Nairobi Marathon plays an important role in profiling our nation and we are glad that you are joining hands with us and making it possible to grow the marathon to reach international standards.”

Organizers Athletics Kenya lauded Standard Chartered Bank for continuing to sponsor the event.

“The ability of the Nairobi marathon to attract such a high caliber of sponsorship is a clear indication that the event has come of age and it is offering real value to its sponsors. I call upon other sponsors to see the value of this marathon to our community and the country at large and come on board as there is still room to do so. Those who cannot join the sponsorship should be able to enter big teams and rally all their employees to participate as a way of supporting the event,” said David Okeyo, Secretary General, Athletics Kenya

This year sponsors will have an excellent opportunity to showcase their brands through the exhibition of their products and services to an expected audience of 20,000 participants.