Kenyan team flagged off for Ksh 5 million Sanlam Cape Town Marathon

A team of eight athletes set to represent Kenya at the 12th edition of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon was officially flagged off on Thursday ahead of the race scheduled for Sunday, 18 October.

The contingent features some of Kenya’s most promising long-distance runners, including Lilian Jepkorir Chebii, Vincent Kipyegon Ronoh, Josephat Kipkoech, Edwin Kiptoo, Fridah Chepkite Lodepa, Flomena Chepkiach Ngurasia, Godfrey Musanga, and Japhet Kiptoo Kiplagat.

Kiplagat had expressed confidence in his readiness for the event, saying he is banking on his training and tactical approach to deliver a strong performance.

“I have been in training, and when I heard I was getting this opportunity, I was well prepared for it. I’m betting on my tactical preparations to be on the podium,” he said.

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is currently vying for inclusion in the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors series.

Having successfully completed the first assessment phase in 2024, organisers are now working to meet a 104-point criterion that focuses on operational excellence and participant experience.

Shoe company compensates Kenyan marathoner after disqualification

The Abbott World Marathon Majors currently comprise Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, Tokyo, New York, and the recently elevated Sydney Marathon which are regarded as the ultimate stage for elite long-distance runners.

Speaking during the corporate flag-off in Nairobi, Sanlam Kenya Group CEO Dr Nyamemba Tumbo reaffirmed the company’s commitment to athlete empowerment through financial literacy and sports development initiatives.

“At Sanlam Kenya, we are partnering with our sportspersons in more ways than one. Beyond our corporate sponsorships, we are also exploring the modalities of delivering tailor-made financial literacy lessons for the athletes,” said Dr Tumbo.

Kenya’s stars chase glory in Valencia

“By delivering such financial literacy lessons, we shall be actively working to empower them to be financially confident, secure and prosperous now and in their post-active competition and retirement days.”

The flag-off ceremony was presided over by Dr Paul Tergat, founder of the SOYA Awards, IOC member, and former NOCK president.

Athletes Fridah Lodepa, Japhet Kiplagat and Josephat Kipkoech beam with pride as they prepare to represent Kenya at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, flying the nation’s flag high at the historic first Abbott Marathon in Africa

Winners of the marathon stand a chance to pocket Ksh 5 million (USD 40,000) in prize mmoney as part of Sanlam’s broader commitment to creating transformative opportunities across sectors and championing African excellence on the global stage.