Sanlam Allianz Kenya has sponsored seven elite Kenyan runners to participate in the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon as the race moves closer to achieving Abbott World Marathon Major status.
The marathon scheduled for 2026 in Cape Town is regarded as a critical “Evaluation Year” event that could see it become the eighth Abbott World Marathon Major alongside global races such as London, Berlin, Boston, and Tokyo.
Marathon Targets Global Major Status
The 2026 edition is expected to attract more than 27,000 runners, including 8,500 international participants from 102 countries and over 25 African nations.
All finishers will receive a provisional Abbott World Marathon Major star, which will automatically convert into an official star if the marathon secures Major status.
The event’s title sponsor, Sanlam Allianz, said it remains committed to ensuring inclusivity for runners who supported the marathon during its candidacy journey.
African Champions Unite Campaign
To support participation across the continent, SanlamAllianz launched the “African Champions Unite” campaign across its 25 African markets.
In Kenya, the insurer partnered with local running clubs and invited both professional and recreational runners to compete for a fully sponsored trip to the marathon through a nationwide challenge monitored on the Strava fitness platform.
The campaign ran from April 20 to May 10, 2026.
Seven Kenyan Athletes Selected
Sanlam Allianz Holdings Kenya PLC Group CEO Dr. Nyamemba Patrick Tumbo said the initiative was aimed at nurturing local athletic talent and promoting African unity through sport.
“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. SanlamAllianz Kenya has sponsored a total of seven elite runners: Japheth Kiplagat, James Munga, Fridah Chepkite Lodepa, Josephat Kipkoech, Dixon Marende, Meshack Shivina & Emily Chepkor. We wish them every success as they represent Kenya in the upcoming marathon,” said Tumbo
Winners Receive Full Sponsorship
The sponsorship package includes return flights to Cape Town, airport transfers, accommodation, marathon entry fees, travel insurance, meals, beverages and official race kits. Participants will also have an opportunity to represent Kenya at one of Africa’s fastest-growing global sporting events.
The campaign ran from April 20 to May 10, 2026, and was monitored on Strava, inviting running enthusiasts across the country to compete for a fully sponsored trip to Cape Town. The full sponsorship package included return flights to Cape Town, airport transfers, accommodation, marathon entry, travel insurance, food and beverages and a Sanlam Cape Town Marathon race kit, along with the opportunity to represent Kenya at this historic event.
The 2026 Cape Town Marathon edition carries a significantly increased total prize purse of USD 35,000 for the winner, an increase from USD 25,000 first prize on offer in 2025, reflecting the event’s growing stature. This is part of SanlamAllianz’s broader ambition to create transformative opportunities across sectors and support initiatives that showcase Africa’s excellence to the world.
Increased Prize Purse
Organisers also announced an increase in the marathon’s total prize purse, with the winner set to receive USD 35,000, up from USD 25,000 offered during the 2025 edition.
SanlamAllianz said the increased investment reflects its broader ambition to support transformative initiatives that position Africa’s sporting excellence on the global stage.