The NCHI Marathon has received a significant financial injection of Ksh 1.5 million as it gears up for its second edition, scheduled for Saturday, July 26. The funds, provided by the THX22 Foundation, are set to support logistics, runner support, and outreach campaigns for the event, which aims to raise awareness and funds for cancer care in underserved communities across Kenya.
Organised annually by the Needy Cancer Health Initiative (NCHI), the charity marathon is a powerful combination of athletic endurance and humanitarian purpose. Its core mission is to provide financial and emotional support to vulnerable cancer patients, particularly those who face challenges such as stigma, displacement, and lack of access to proper treatment.
The 2025 edition of the NCHI Marathon will feature races over 5km, 15km, and 30km, and targets to raise Ksh 10 million. These funds will go towards the construction of Kenya’s first free palliative care centre in Meru County. The proposed centre is expected to serve as a safe haven for low-income cancer patients, offering holistic care including medical treatment, nutrition, housing, and emotional support.
NCHI has already made a tangible impact, with over 200 cancer patients benefiting from its monthly care packages. A contribution of just Ksh 1,000 a month has enabled many patients to access life-saving services. With the additional funding from the THX22 Foundation, the organisation hopes to scale its efforts and provide long-term solutions for cancer care in Kenya.
The support from THX22 reflects a growing recognition of the role community-led initiatives play in addressing critical healthcare gaps. The Foundation expressed its commitment to uplifting underserved populations and noted the importance of blending sport with purpose to drive meaningful change.
This year’s marathon not only encourages physical fitness but also underscores a shared sense of compassion. With the added boost in funding and growing public interest, the NCHI Marathon continues to establish itself as a beacon of hope for many Kenyan families affected by cancer.
As participants prepare to take on the challenge, the impact of their efforts will extend far beyond the finish line reaching hospitals, homes, and communities that desperately need support.
