L. MathekaKTB leveraging on road running to promote Kenya's tourism
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 12.10.22. | 11:42
This year’s route for the physical marathon on the Southern bypass will allow runners to experience a great view of the Nairobi National Park.
Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and Standard Chartered Bank Kenya have entered a partnership aimed at driving local and international tourism in Kenya through long distance running and sport.
The collaboration will see the two organisations promote Kenya as a marathon destination for local and international runners.
A plan has been set in motion to drive awareness and increase participation in this year’s Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon set for 30 October.
The partnership is an opportunity to rally runners from across the world, including Kenya, to take part in the renowned regional sporting event as well as showcase Kenya's tourism opportunities to domestic and international markets.
Since its first edition in 2003, the marathon has grown tremendously earning recognition from World Athletics and the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).
The marathon has attracted over 250,000 participants across its 18 editions to become the largest single-day sporting event in Kenya.
Last year, the marathon successfully launched the first hybrid marathon with some runners taking part physically and others virtually. It attracted over 5,800 virtual participants from across 61 countries and 2,500 elite runners participating in the physical marathon.
This year’s route for the physical marathon on the Southern bypass will allow runners to experience a great view of the Nairobi National Park.
The partnership will also strive to highlight Kenya as the home of champions especially after the recent wins by KTB's destination ambassador Eliud Kipchoge in Berlin, Amos Kipruto in London, Benson Kipruto and Ruth Chepng'etich in Chicago confirming Kenya’s positioning to now play host to a great city marathon in Nairobi.
Marathon chairman Peter Gitau said one of the key objectives is to elevate the overall experience of the marathon and to use the event as a platform to showcase and appreciate Kenya's culture and heritage as a country.
"Partnerships are critical in the realisation of this mission. We are delighted to partner with KTB so that together we can promote sports tourism as well as our culture and hospitality," he offered.
Funds raised through the marathon go towards Futuremakers by Standard Chartered.
This initiative supports disadvantaged young people—especially girls and young people with disabilities—to gain new skills and expertise to improve their chances of getting a job or starting their own business.
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