Unicaf proudly participated as the official Sustainability Partner of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon 2025, one of Kenya’s leading sporting and charitable events. The marathon, held on Sunday, 26 October, attracted more than 30,000 participants and over 1,000 volunteers, all uniting in support of Futuremakers by Standard Chartered, a global initiative aimed at empowering youth through financial education, business skills training, and entrepreneurship support.
This year’s marathon featured a range of race categories, including the 42km full marathon, 21km half marathon, 10km, 5km, and a wheelchair race held under strict design regulations. A virtual participation option also enabled global runners to take part remotely, contributing to a marked increase in international engagement compared to the previous year.
As the official Sustainability Partner, Unicaf underscored its commitment to environmental conservation and community development by distributing 30,000 seedballs to marathon participants. Each runner received a seedball during registration or at the finish line, symbolising Unicaf’s dedication to reforestation and ecological restoration across arid and semi-arid regions. The seedballs were accompanied by educational material explaining their environmental benefits and long-term impact, reinforcing Unicaf’s belief in the connection between sustainability and education.
The atmosphere throughout the event was vibrant and celebratory, with live music, entertainment, and family-friendly activities bringing together communities, corporate teams, and individual participants. Unicaf hosted two branded tents, one open to the public and another for VIP guests and partners. Both spaces offered opportunities for engagement, discussions, and collaboration, while highlighting Unicaf’s broader goal to support access to higher education and promote sustainable practices.
Unicaf staff members also participated in various race categories, embodying the organisation’s values of wellness, teamwork, and community involvement. The seedball initiative drew widespread attention and appreciation, becoming a key talking point among runners and spectators and amplifying the sustainability message both on-site and across social media platforms.
Unicaf’s participation in the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon 2025 reflected its ongoing commitment to social impact and environmental responsibility. By integrating sustainability with education, Unicaf continues to demonstrate how collaborative action can create lasting change and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future.
