A record entry of more than 15,000 participants are expected at the ninth edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon set for October 30.

And Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) celebrated their 100 years in Kenya, when they launched Sh95 million sponsorship for the race that is becoming popular in churning out world-class talent.

Registration for the race got under way on Monday and runs till October 23 at all SCB branches across the country and at selected Uchumi and Nakumatt shopping centres.

Participants in individual races will part with Sh1,000 while the Corporate challenge will attract Sh100,000 and Sh 1,000 in registration fee for the Family Fun Run.

Like last year, the prize money for winners in the men and women’s categories will get Sh1.5m each.

Speaking during the launch, SCB CEO Richard Etemesi said this year’s marathon will be a memorable occasion as the Bank is also celebrating 100 years since it opened its first two branches in Kenya (Treasury Square in Mombasa and Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi).

Creatively modelled

Etemesi noted that the marathon that has been creatively modelled, has raised the profile of Kenya, provided opportunity for budding local athletes, boosted tourism and raised funds for the needy in the community.

Last year’s event attracted more than 14,000 participants from 53 countries and Sh16m was raised for charity.

This year, organisers hope to raise Sh 20m, which will go towards preventing avoidable blindness and restore sight for children aged below nine.

David Barmasai clocked 2:10:31 to win the men’s race last year as Hellena Kirop timed 2:31:11 to claim women’s honours.

Athletics Kenya, the organisers of the event, confirmed that the route will divert from the traditional Mombasa Road loop to extend to the Nairobi Central Business District.

The race will start at the Nyayo National Stadium, through Uhuru Highway and turn at the University Way round-about into Kenyatta Avenue, Harambee Avenue and Haile Sellassie Avenue, then back to Mombasa Road and finish at the starting point.

Source: DAILY NATION