Standard Chartered Marathon dished out Sh10.4 million to winners of the 2023 edition of the Nairobi race.
Last year's winners Alphonse Kigen and Evaline Chirchir took home the lion's share of Sh2 million each for their outstanding performance and immediately promised to defend their title during this year's edition.
Chirchir won the women’s full marathon on debut in 2:24:31. Martha Simiyu and Aurelia Jerotish completed the podium.
“I will be back this year and I hope to improve on my time," she said. She also noted that she will also compete in the Istanbul Half Marathon In November.
Kigen, who set a new record in the men's marathon, equally voiced his determination to defend his title.
The marathon attracted over 73 elite athletes, 200 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and more than 20,000 recreational runners.
Standard Chartered Bank, in collaboration with the Future-makers initiative, raised Sh43,167,506 to support community projects including education, employability and entrepreneurship.
Standard Chartered Head of Corporate Affairs, Joyce Kibe emphasised the event's commitment to inclusivity and global recognition.
“Our diversification is a testament to our promise to ensure we create an event that allows locally grown talent to have their times recognised at a global level.”
Kibe said Peninah Kalondu, who completed the challenging 42kmr race in just over seven hours, exemplified the spirit of perseverance. “We believe in supporting all our runners from start to the finish, and we celebrate Kalondu's tenacity and resilience,” she added.
All proceeds from the marathon will go towards Futuremakers, an initiative aimed at empowering disadvantaged youth, particularly girls and Persons With Disabilities, through skill development and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Athletics Kenya (AK) President Jackson Tuwei, commended Standard Chartered Bank for the progress and development of the marathon.
He said: “The marathon has been the launching pad for thousands of our young athletes and with label status, the benefits to the athletes have been further enhanced.”
Kenya’s marathon trailblazer, Ibrahim Hussein, highlighted the stringent process of doping and its impact on the awarding of prize money.
