Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge has backed the Race for Mobility campaign, supporting efforts to raise Ksh 100 million to provide custom-fitted wheelchairs for children with disabilities across Kenya.

The campaign is spearheaded by Michael Panther, founder of Hope Mobility Kenya and a Person Living With Disabilities, who will participate in the full 42-kilometre category of the 2026 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon on October 25, making him the first PWD to take on that distance at the acclaimed race.

Panther will compete in a professional racing wheelchair he has dubbed “the Red Ferrari.”

During a courtesy call from Panther, Kipchoge expressed his admiration for the initiative and the courage it takes to pursue it.

“It is really inspirational and motivational that someone who is differently abled is taking on such a rigorous exercise to impact children’s welfare. It is a show of mental resilience that will break any social and physical barrier that hinders the active participation of the vulnerable and people living with disabilities in our communities,” he said.

He also used the moment to send an encouraging message to children living with disabilities.

“Sports have a huge platform for everybody, including children with disability. I would encourage them to take on any challenge in the different sports disciplines and conquer the world,” Kipchoge added.

Panther said Kipchoge’s endorsement had given him renewed energy heading into the marathon.

“I am excited to have Kipchoge here today. It gives me momentum and courage as I seek to immortalise his refrain ‘No Human is Limited.’ Participating in this marathon gives me hope to impact the lives of our children by giving them access to education, health care and a glimpse into friendships with their peers,” he said.

The funds raised will enable Hope Mobility Kenya to manufacture and distribute at least 200 specialised pediatric wheelchairs, each costing approximately Ksh50,000 and fitted following the World Health Organisation’s recommended eight-step wheelchair service process.

“When we provide a child with a custom-fitted wheelchair, we don’t just move their bodies, we open the doors to the classroom and allow their mothers to return to work,” Panther said.

The campaign comes against the backdrop of a significant national shortfall.

According to the National Council for Persons with Disability, Kenya faces a deficit of approximately 550,000 wheelchairs and assistive mobility devices, of which 200,000 are needed by children.