Standard backs Mara race

Maasai Mara Marathon Director John Konchellah (left) with The Standard Group CEO Orlando Lyomu when they signed a 3-year MoU at The Standard Group Offices in Nairobi yesterday. [Steve Mbego/Standard]

The Standard Group and organisers of the Maasai Mara Marathon have signed a three-year deal that includes coverage of next month’s 9th edition of the competition.

Following the deal, Standard Group will use its platforms to raise awareness about the marathon, which will be held on September 28 at Lemek Conservancy within the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Media partnership

Maasai Mara Marathon founder and chairman, John Konchellah and Standard Group CEO Orlando Lyomu signed the media partnership at Standard Group offices in Nairobi yesterday. 

Under the deal, the media house will provide coverage for the marathon on its TV channels, radio stations, daily newspaper and digital platform.

Mr Lyomu said the company was glad to come on on board as a media partner for the event because of the noble objectives behind it.

“We are very happy as a media organisation to come on board not just because the marathon is being run in the beautiful Maasai Imara, but also because it has very noble objectives behind it,” said Lyomu.

Mr Konchellah lauded the partnership, saying it will accord them a platform to promote the event.

According to Konchellah, the objective of the event is to raise funds for the Mara community to address shortages in education facilities and promote conservation within the Lemek Conservancy.

Save ecosystem

“This year, we plan to run education and conservation drives in neighbouring towns in a bid to save the Mara ecosystem and create opportunities for the locals,” he said.

Since the first Masaai Mara Marathon in 2000, funds raised have been used to construct classrooms at Aitong Primary and Lemek Girls Secondary schools.