Stanchart marathon set to adopt hybrid format for this year’s competition

Athletes warming up before the 2.5km race during the launch of the 18th edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon yesterday. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Standard Chartered Nairobi marathon will be held on October 31, the organisers announced yesterday.

The marathon, which has previously been fully physical will now adopt a hybrid format that includes both physical and virtual participation.

The event is making a comeback this year after it was cancelled in 2020 due to unprecedented challenges brought about by Covid-19 and the containment measures required. 

The newly adopted hybrid format will combine the traditional mass participation physical race for elite runners only with a virtual option for the rest of the participants.

The physical marathon will be restricted to 2,500 local and international elite athletes will be held on the Southern Bypass with Carnivore Grounds as the marathon venue.

With a great view of Nairobi National Park along the bypass, this year’s marathon will be a great showcase of our city and its potential in the tourism sector.

The virtual marathon will be targeting 13,500 participants to encourage active lifestyles among participants will be done between October 25–31 2021.

Kariuki Ngari, CEO Standard Chartered said: “Upon cancellation of the marathon last year, we took time to engage with a couple of stakeholders and gained some useful insights for future marathons.”

"Last year, a number of elite runners were affected due to the cancellation and we stepped up to offer financial and educational support through the KipKeino Foundation."

Commenting during the launch, Athletics Kenya president Jackson Tuwei said: “This is an opportune moment for athletes to come and prove themselves in the marathon.

“Last year was a difficult year for athletes and this year, together with various stakeholders, we are planning every event with the athlete’s welfare in mind.“