ROAM DRIVES CLEAN INNOVATION AT THE NAIROBI CITY MARATHON WITH ELECTRIC MOBILITY AND REAL-TIME AIR QUALITY MONITORING
- Roam, Athletics Kenya, SEI, and UNEP teamed up for the Nairobi City Marathon 2024, showcasing a commitment to sustainability with clean technologies and eco-friendly transport.
- Roam Air electric motorcycles monitored air quality in real-time, cutting carbon emissions during the marathon.
- Roam showcased electric mobility’s potential to offer sustainable transport at major sports events.
The 3rd edition of the Nairobi City Marathon marked a new milestone in environmental sustainability, driven by a collaboration between Athletics Kenya, the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and Roam. This year’s marathon not only celebrated athletic excellence but also highlighted innovative clean technologies.
Roam played a pivotal role by deploying its Roam Air electric motorcycles for real-time air quality monitoring along the marathon route. As athletes raced through the scenic Nairobi Expressway, these zero-emission motorcycles provided essential data, optimizing conditions for competitors and significantly reducing the event’s carbon footprint.
Additionally, Roam provided its Roam Rapid electric bus to support participants struggling to finish the race. The 77-passenger bus offered eco-friendly transport and first aid assistance, further demonstrating Roam’s commitment to sustainability and athlete support.
This year’s marathon was more than a race—it was a celebration of environmental responsibility. The real-time air quality data collected by Roam's motorcycles enabled race organizers to make informed decisions, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for the athletes. The collaboration also reinforced Athletics Kenya’s commitment to the World Athletics Sustainability Strategy, which aims for carbon neutrality by 2030.
Dr. Philip Osano, SEI Africa Center Director, remarked:
“SEI Africa, together with UNEP, is excited to continue our partnership with Athletics Kenya to implement sustainability measures during the third edition of the Nairobi City Marathon. Besides conducting real-time air quality measurements, we’re showcasing the potential for green mobility by working with Roam to deploy electric buses for runners and fans, reducing the event’s carbon footprint.”
Dennis Wakaba, Roam’s Head of Public Affairs, expressed his enthusiasm:
“Being part of the Nairobi City Marathon was an exhilarating experience. Our Roam Air electric motorcycles not only delivered real-time air quality data but also demonstrated how sustainable technology can drive positive change. We’re proud to lead the way in green transport.”
Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei, President of Athletics Kenya, emphasized:
“In athletics, every microsecond matters—it can be the difference between winning or losing. It is critically important to provide athletes with the best conditions, and clean air is a key element. Through our events, we are committed to delivering this with the support of our key partners.”
The Nairobi City Marathon has set a new standard for integrating sustainability into major sporting events, offering a blueprint for future initiatives in Kenya and beyond. Roam’s participation advanced the marathon’s eco-friendly goals and showcased the transformative potential of electric mobility in sports.