Ronald Kurgat, Gladys Chemutai shine in 42km Standard Chartered Nairobi marathon
The 21st edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon saw Ronald Kurgat and Gladys Chemutai triumph in the men’s and women’s 42km individual races, respectively.
Vincent Mutai won the 21km in men category while Gladys Koech conquered the women category. This year’s event attracted a record number of participants, with over 25,000 runners from more than 90 nationalities.
This year’s marathon saw an increase of participants across all the races. A total of 206 elite athletes competed, representing a remarkable increase of over 180% from last year’s 73. Participation of persons with disabilities (PWDs) increased to 153 from 119 in 2023.
The 10km race had the highest number of participants of 10,331 rising from 9,405 in 2023.
The top 5 nationalities that participated in 2024 is Kenya, followed by Uganda, Tanzania, China and India.
This year’s Marathon featured six distinct race categories: 42km men and women, 21km men and women, 10km men and women, 21km wheelchair men and women, the 5km Family Fun Run, and the Corporate Relay Challenge.
Speaking at the conclusion of the event, Peter Gitau, Chairman of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon Local Organising Committee, remarked: “The 21st edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has been incredible as we have seen a tremendous increase not only in the number of elite runners but also in the number of sponsors and participants.
“With the support of more than 40 sponsors and partners, we delivered an exceptional experience for our participants. This year we committed to hosting an inclusive and sustainable marathon.
“One of this year’s highlight was a partnership with Kiss Kids, where Standard Chartered Marathon 2024 provided a nursing room and nursing stations for parents to feed their children along the route and at the venue.”
He continued and stated: “The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon is not just about running; over the past 21 years, the real impact of the Marathon has been what the proceeds from the race have done for the Kenyans.
“Standard Chartered, in partnership with our sponsors, uses this event as a powerful vehicle to promote greater economic inclusion, especially for disadvantaged young people in Kenya through our Futuremakers by Standard Chartered initiative.”
Standard Chartered partnered with Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) to ensure results are credible through doping tests conducted on the top finishers in the 42km, 21km, 10km, and Wheelchair Race categories.
In collaboration with Athletics Kenya, Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon secured the prestigious World Athletics Road Race Label last year.
This means that runners can compete at their best and be ranked against other elite athletes globally.
The Marathon participants were gifted with tree seedling to be planted at a place of their choice.
All proceeds from the marathon go towards our Futuremakers community initiative that empowers the next generation to learn, earn and grow by focusing on education, employability and entrepreneurship.
Futuremakers focuses on empowering youth particularly women and persons with disabilities to gain new skills and expertise to improve their chances of getting a job or starting their own business.
