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Sanlam Allianz Kenya Sponsors Elite Athletes for Historic Cape Town Marathon
Sanlam Allianz Kenya has unveiled a team of elite Kenyan athletes set to participate in the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon as the race moves closer to securing Abbott World Marathon Major status.
The marathon, scheduled as a decisive evaluation year event, is expected to host more than 27,000 runners, including 8,500 international participants from 102 countries and over 25 African nations. Organizers say a successful edition will secure the race’s recognition as the eighth Abbott World Marathon Major.
For Africa, the milestone would mark a historic moment, positioning Cape Town alongside globally recognized marathons such as London, Berlin, Boston and Tokyo.
African Champions Unite Campaign
As part of the preparations, SanlamAllianz launched the “African Champions Unite” campaign across the continent to celebrate African excellence and expand participation in the marathon.
In Kenya, the initiative partnered with running clubs and invited both recreational and professional runners to compete for fully sponsored slots to the marathon.
The campaign ran between April 20 and May 10, 2026, with participants tracked through the Strava fitness platform.
Top performers received a full sponsorship package that included return flights, accommodation, airport transfers, race entry, travel insurance, meals, beverages and official marathon kits.
Sanlam Allianz Kenya Sponsors Elite Athletes for Historic Cape Town Marathon
Kenyan Athletes Set for Global Stage
Speaking during the announcement, Sanlam Allianz Holdings Kenya PLC Group CEO Dr. Nyamemba Patrick Tumbo said the marathon reflects African unity, resilience and sporting excellence.
“The Cape Town Marathon represents a celebration of unity, excellence and African pride. At SanlamAllianz Kenya, we stand firmly beside our athletes at every stage of their journey,” he said.
Dr. Tumbo noted that the initiative was designed not only to support elite athletes but also to nurture the dreams of everyday Kenyan runners through community engagement.
The company has sponsored seven Kenyan runners for the marathon including Japheth Kiplagat, James Munga, Fridah Chepkite Lodepa, Josephat Kipkoech, Dixon Marende, Meshack Shivina and Emily Chepkor.
Growing Global Recognition
The 2026 edition of the Cape Town Marathon will also feature an increased winner’s prize purse of USD 35,000, up from USD 25,000 in 2025, reflecting the growing global stature of the event.
SanlamAllianz says the initiative forms part of its broader vision to create transformative opportunities across Africa while supporting platforms that showcase African talent and achievement on the world stage.
Ultimately, the company says the campaign demonstrates how sport can unite communities, inspire future champions and strengthen Africa’s growing influence in global athletics.
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