Annual Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon

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“See it, feel it, be it” - this is the slogan for the Annual Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, a joint-crunching, heart-pumping and agonizingly spirited 42 kilometers of foot-slogging – all of which is made to look easy by the world-class line up that turns up for this spectacular even that attracts over 15,000 participants annually. Meandering through the city, the Annual Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon is not only for elite athletes; it attracts runners of all shapes and sizes both locally and internationally, providing all runners with a scenic route to slog and jog their way to an extremely rewarding finish-line. For the elite gazelle-like runners, the prize money is bigger than ever at 7.3 million Kenya Shillings, and continues to grow, providing incentive for the local athletes, who tell tales of winnings being used to uplift their communities.

The spectacle of elite runners battling it out over two hours in the ultimate test of muscle-wrenching agony and mental fortitude provides an amazing spectacle for the massive crowds that turn out to witness the event, as the streets are transformed into rivers of spectators cheering their favorites and, in fact everyone, on. Organizers, The Standard Chartered Bank, ensure year-to-year success of the marathon. Finishing in the packed stadium is like coming home after a long winter spent out in the cold; you are welcomed and cheered in your final steps towards the finish line.

The race begins on the Mombasa road and athletes complete two laps. There is also a 21 kilometer, 3 kilometer fun run and a 10 kilometer corporate event. Much of the money raised by the event is donated to charity and uplifting the local communities. The Annual Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon is one way of discovering the beauty of an unspoiled country. The marathon is a great way to enjoy a vacation in Kenya. While in Kenya, game viewing in the vast African plains in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro can be enjoyed. Scuba dive the wonderful reefs at Malindi, go snorkeling, or laze about on the long sandy beaches. Climb Kilimanjaro, or go horse-riding on

the slopes of Kilimanjaro, exploring the verdant rainforests.