The 21st edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon took center stage at Uhuru Garden Stadium on October 27, 2024, gathering thousands of participants from 98 countries in a spectacular showcase of sport, unity, and civic responsibility. Among the key partners this year was the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Kenya, led by Executive Director Mr. Daniel Juma and Environment Manager Mr. Japheth Ouda, in collaboration with Chandaria Foundation and Alliance High School. Together, they joined efforts to support this year’s marathon, which is dedicated to fostering health, well-being, and environmental sustainability.
GPF Kenya joins partners for the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon.
The annual marathon, organized by Standard Chartered Bank with the support of Athletics Kenya, has placed Nairobi firmly on the global sports calendar, attracting local and international participants who run not only to compete but also to contribute to positive social impact. The event successfully raised more than Ksh 95 million in support of the “Futuremakers” initiative by Standard Chartered, an effort aimed at empowering underprivileged youth with education and economic opportunities.
Runners take off at the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon.
As a leader in peacebuilding and community development, GPF Kenya contributed to this year’s marathon by donating 3,000 assorted tree seedlings from the Chandaria tree nursery located at Alliance High School. Environment teachers Mr. Charles Kogi and Dr. Donata Odango presented the seedlings at the event. This contribution supports the Kenyan government’s ambitious goal to grow 15 billion trees by 2032, part of a national response to mitigate climate change effects.
The Nairobi Marathon’s appeal goes beyond its athletic feats, serving as a platform for civic engagement and community solidarity. With a mission to promote health, inclusivity, and social well-being, the marathon’s impact on participants and communities emphasizes the event’s ideal of “running for a cause.” The marathon offered a unique opportunity for citizens of diverse backgrounds to engage in a shared purpose, fostering a spirit of mutual respect and unity that aligns with GPF Kenya’s broader mission of peacebuilding.
Through “Futuremakers,” Standard Chartered’s community initiative, the Nairobi Marathon channels its proceeds toward education and economic empowerment for youth, focusing on enabling young people to learn, earn, and grow. By supporting the marathon, GPF Kenya also champions youth empowerment, echoing its mission to create opportunities for the younger generation and contribute to national development.
A marathon participant holds seedlings donated by GPF Kenya and the Chandaria Foundation
This year’s Nairobi Marathon highlighted environmental sustainability, with Standard Chartered Bank pledging to plant two million trees in the next five years and eliminate single-use plastics from its marathon events. GPF Kenya’s 3,000-seedling donation is its commitment to this environmental push, enhancing efforts to make the Nairobi Marathon one of the world’s most sustainable sporting events.
An athlete crosses the finish line
Athletes presented awards at the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon
As the marathon concluded, it was clear that this year’s event succeeded in more than just fundraising. By bringing together partners like GPF Kenya, Chandaria Foundation, and Alliance High School, the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon illustrated the power of partnerships in promoting community well-being, environmental stewardship, and youth development. With GPF Kenya’s unwavering commitment to peace and sustainability, and initiatives like “Futuremakers” making a tangible difference in young lives, the event served as a compelling reminder of what can be achieved when communities work together.
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