Virunga Gorilla Marathon gets sh20m Stanbic boost ahead of November 21 event
The bank’s conservation efforts also include steps to reduce its own environmental impact. In 2024, the bank recycled over 9,234 kilograms of single-use plastic bottles and cut its internal paper use by 39.6% by adopting digital banking platforms.
Left to Right, Stanbic's Run Club Captain Duncan Nauluswa, Stanbic's CSI Manager Diana Ondoga and Virunga Gorilla Marathon Kenneth Rahid Kamukama CEO pose with the Stanbic Run Club banner. Courtesy photo
Diana Ondoga, the manager of corporate social investment at Stanbic Bank, has emphasized the bank’s ongoing commitment to working with partners on environmental conservation.
The bank’s conservation efforts also include steps to reduce its own environmental impact. In 2024, the bank recycled over 9,234 kilograms of single-use plastic bottles and cut its internal paper use by 39.6% by adopting digital banking platforms.
Ondoga was speaking at the kit handover ceremony of the run on Tuesday, at which the bank pledged sh20m to support the third Virunga Gorilla Marathon, which will take place in Kisoro on November 21. This year’s theme is ‘Running for Climate Action’.
“The cause of the run is focused on conservation in the Kisoro area, and we have opted to join the Virunga team in this noble cause. As we all know, as a country, we are experiencing adverse climate effects so every effort involved at restoration, nurturing, and at growing trees is noble so, we look forward to working with the team,” she said.
Stanbic Bank Run Club members and other officials display the Virunga Gorilla Marathon 2026 Kit. Courtesy photo
Ondoga said, “We have a running club, and our members will be at the Virunga Marathon. This helps us achieve two goals: supporting environmental conservation and tree planting, and promoting wellness among Stanbic Bank staff.”
Kenneth Rashid Kamkama, CEO of the Virunga Gorilla Marathon, said the event is built on three main pillars: promoting tourism in the area, supporting local businesses as more visitors come in, and identifying talented athletes.
“Last year we planted fruit trees, and we are doing the same this year. Stanbic Bank has helped us plant these trees in different parts of Kisoro. We appreciate their support and thank them for joining us in this conservation effort.”
Race Director John Tibita said this year’s event will include a full marathon (42 km), half marathon (21 km), 10 km, and 6 km races. For the first time, there will also be an 112-kilometer ultra-run, bringing trail running to the marathon.
Trail running is different from road races because it takes participants through natural terrain, with steep climbs, rough paths, and changing landscapes that challenge both endurance and adaptability.
Tibita said runners will follow a unique route through rainforest, rolling hills, and ancient lava fields and will also have the chance to interact with local communities. Last year, the marathon had 1,000 participants, and this year the organisers hope to triple that number. Runners from across East Africa and beyond are expected. The aim is to make the marathon one of the region’s top events and to increase its impact on conservation, tourism, and community development.
Stanbic also worked with Global Paper Limited to turn bank paper waste into eco-friendly products. The bank has made sh62 billion in financing available to support green businesses in agriculture, waste management, and renewable energy.