NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 26 – Organisers of the 2017 Standard Chattered Nairobi International Marathon have increased the prize money for the 21km race ahead of the 15th edition scheduled to be held October 29 at the Nyayo National Stadium.
This was announced on Wednesday by Standard Chartered Bank CEO Lamine Manjang during the launch of this year’s event, disclosing that winners of both men and women in the half marathon will receive Sh200, 000 up from Sh150, 000.
First runners-up will pocket Sh150,000 while third placed will take home Sh100,000.
The prizes for the 42km remain the same where winners will pocket Sh1.5m but the Manjang said in future they will be looking to review the purse.
Over 30,000 participants are expected to pound the tarmac around Kenya’s capital for top honours, fan and charitable causes.
Organisers announced they expecting to top 23,000 that turned out last year as a country that has exported pedigree marathon running talent to the world holds its blue riband ultimate distance race.
“As the main sponsors we take this renewal with great pride for it gives us the assurance for continuity and aligns to our long term plans to continue contributing positively to the world of sports and community,” Manjang said.
Unlike previous editions, registration will be done online that will cost Sh2,000 from today till October 16, but the price will increase to Sh2,500 from October 16-26 when a window for late registration opens.
The Bank extended its partnership with Athletics Kenya (AK) to another five years, investing Sh100m to the event with a further Sh45m provided by partners.
AK boss Gen (Rtd) Jack Tuwei, said that since 2003, the bank has worked in collaboration with the federatioon to enhance the quality of the marathon with a view to matching international standards making the jamboree the largest participatory sporting event in Kenya.
“This renewal goes further to show AK’s commitment to this great event is beyond reproach,” Tuwei stated.
With the race having notorious cases of cheating, Manjang said they have put up stiff measures to nab those intending to rip where they have not sowed.
Last year, John Mwangi Nyaruai was exposed after cheating his way to the top position in the men’s 21km.
“As always we will ensure this year’s race will be of international standards. In previous years we had cases of cheating and we don’t want a repeat of that. We will have air surveillance and advanced technology like the use of bib chips to discourage cheats,” Manjang asserted.
Robert Kipkemboi and Jelagat Seurey are the 2016 champions in the men and women races respectively.
This year the organisers target to raise Sh75m that will be channeled to the Seeing is Believing initiative, a programme that focuses on addressing avoidable blindness among children below 15 years.
Runners will take part in the main 42km, 21km, 10km, 5km Family Fun Run race and 3km CEO challenge.