Michael Panther makes history after completing 42km in a wheelchair
He took on the challenge on Sunday in his specialised racing wheelchair nicknamed the “Red Ferrari,” as part of the Race for Mobility campaign. The post Michael Panther makes history after completing 42km in a wheelchair appeared first on Sports Network Africa.
Black News 
He took on the challenge on Sunday in his specialised racing wheelchair nicknamed the “Red Ferrari,” as part of the Race for Mobility campaign.
Bonface Osano, Marabou News Agency
Michael Panther became the first wheelchair user in Kenya to complete the full 42-kilometre Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon crossing the finish line in three hours and 45 minutes to raise funds for children with disabilities.
The founder of Hope Mobility Kenya took on the challenge on Sunday, October 23, 2026 in his specialised racing wheelchair nicknamed the “Red Ferrari,” as part of the Race for Mobility campaign.
Panther raised Sh5 million (approximately US$38,500) to support the manufacture and distribution of custom-made paediatric wheelchairs, helping children access education, healthcare and participate more fully in community life.
“This is a huge milestone because nobody in this country in a wheelchair has done this before, so I’m just humbled to be a part of this marathon this year, and I want to give a special thank you to the Standard Chartered Marathon for giving me the opportunity to be part of this marathon. It was not easy, I struggled going up the hill, but I’m here, I managed to finish, so I’m just so grateful,” he said.
Each specialised paediatric wheelchair costs approximately Sh50,000 (about US$385) to produce, meaning the funds could provide up to 100 wheelchairs, subject to final production and distribution costs. Hope Mobility Kenya manufactures and distributes around 3,500 wheelchairs annually.
“I was doing this marathon to create awareness and raise support for pediatric wheelchairs for children with disabilities around Kenya,” Michael added.
According to the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, Kenya faces a shortfall of about 550,000 wheelchairs and other assistive mobility devices, including an estimated 200,000 required by children.
Hope Mobility Kenya is calling on individuals, businesses and partners to support the campaign and help more children access custom-fitted wheelchairs.
Marabou News Agency
Editor: George Mutero
The post Michael Panther makes history after completing 42km in a wheelchair appeared first on Sports Network Africa.
