Sanlam Allianz Kenya has intensified its support for African athletics by sponsoring seven elite Kenyan runners to participate in the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, as the race pushes to attain Abbott World Marathon Major status.
The sponsorship is part of the insurer’s continent-wide “African Champions Unite” campaign, an initiative aimed at bringing together Africa’s top athletes while promoting unity, excellence and wider participation in sports.
The 2026 edition of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is considered a defining moment for the event, with organizers hoping it will officially become the eighth Abbott World Marathon Major after this year’s evaluation process.
The marathon is expected to attract more than 27,000 participants, including 8,500 international runners from 102 countries and over 25 African nations.
Sanlam, the title sponsor of the event, says it is committed to ensuring the journey toward major status remains inclusive by recognizing runners who have supported the marathon during its candidacy phase.
Speaking during the announcement, Sanlam Allianz Holdings Kenya PLC Group CEO Dr. Nyamemba Patrick Tumbo said the company’s investment in athletics reflects its commitment to empowering communities and nurturing talent across the continent.
“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,” said Dr. Tumbo.
“Beyond sponsorships to professional elite runners, we designed the African Champions Unite Campaign to give back to our community by partnering with running clubs and inviting every Kenyan citizen to take part in the challenge, nurturing the dreams of Kenyan runners.”
Dr. Tumbo said Sanlam Allianz Kenya had sponsored seven elite athletes namely Japheth Kiplagat, James Munga, Fridah Chepkite Lodepa, Josephat Kipkoech, Dixon Marende, Meshack Shivina and Emily Chepkor to represent Kenya at the marathon.
The campaign, which ran from April 20 to May 10, 2026, was conducted through the Strava platform and allowed both professional and recreational runners to compete for a fully sponsored trip to Cape Town.
The sponsorship package included flights, accommodation, airport transfers, marathon entry fees, travel insurance, meals and official race kits.
The 2026 marathon will also feature an increased winner’s prize purse of USD 35,000, up from USD 25,000 in 2025, reflecting the event’s growing international profile.
SanlamAllianz says the initiative is part of its broader ambition to create transformative opportunities across Africa and support platforms that showcase African excellence on the global stage.