More than 1,000 runners took to the trails of Karura Forest on Sunday as preparations for the 23rd Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon gathered momentum.The Friends of Karura Anniversary Race brought together elite runners, recreational athletes, families and nature enthusiasts across 21km, 10km, 5km and 2km races, combining competition with a celebration of conservation.Download Our MozzartSport App For More NewsThe event served as one of the key build-up races ahead of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, which will be held on October 25 at Uhuru Gardens.After the races, participants and their families gathered at Amani Gardens for a celebration and a Berlin Marathon watch party, extending the event beyond the competition itself.Standard Chartered is supporting a series of warm-up races as part of the preparations for this year’s marathon, which has attracted more than 30,000 participants from a record 102 nationalities.Baraza identifies former Shabana striker as best solution to Harambee Stars’ scoring woesThe October 25 race will also feature more than 400 elite athletes, with international competitors expected from Uganda, Ghana, Tanzania, Brazil and Ethiopia among other countries.“The warm-up races are an important part of the journey towards the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, giving runners an opportunity to test their preparation, build confidence and connect with fellow participants ahead of the main race.”“We are pleased to see such strong participation at Karura, where running, family and environmental conservation come together. The event reflects the wider role of the marathon in bringing communities together through sport and around causes that matter,” said Joyce Kibe, Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing at Standard Chartered Bank Kenya and Africa.McCarthy explains why Harambee Stars failed to beat lowly-ranked EritreaThe race also highlighted the organisers’ commitment to preserving Karura Forest, with the Friends of Karura continuing to work with the Kenya Forest Service on conservation efforts.“The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has been one of our sponsors for years, and we value the partnership and support it has provided to the running community.””The warm-up races give runners an opportunity to prepare for the marathon while bringing people together around causes that matter to our communities,” said Peter Njui, Operations Manager of the Friends of Karura Anniversary Race.“For us, the Friends of Karura Anniversary Race is also about celebrating Karura Forest and the work we continue to do with the Kenya Forest Service to protect and preserve this important green space. We are pleased to partner with Standard Chartered once again and welcome runners and families to Karura.”##NAJAVA_MECA_9991947##Now in its 23rd edition, the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has grown beyond a single-day sporting event into a platform for community participation and social impact.Since its inception, the race has attracted more than 345,000 participants and generated approximately Sh520 million through the Standard Chartered Foundation.The funds have supported initiatives targeting employability, entrepreneurship and skills development for young people, women and persons with disabilities.The 2026 edition has also attracted a record Sh273 million sponsorship package, with Standard Chartered contributing Sh130 million while partners have provided a further Sh143 million through cash and in-kind support.With less than a month to the main race, the warm-up events are giving runners an opportunity to assess their readiness as anticipation builds for the October 25 showdown at Uhuru Gardens.Regional bragging rights at stake as Kenya welcome Tanzania in U23 AFCON qualifier opener