Local non-bank finance solutions provider, Sanlam Kenya, has today flagged off elite Kenyan athletes to represent the country at the 9th Sanlam Cape Town Marathon taking place in South Africa.
This year, the Kenyan contingent will be led by Tecla Kirongo, who will be leading an outstanding team of 7 athletes to the tourist-attraction city, Cape Town. Tecla recently emerged 3rd in the women’s race at the 2022 edition of the Marathon BP Castellon in Italy held in February this year.
Speaking at the flag off ceremony, Sanlam Kenya Group CEO Dr. Patrick Tumbo reiterated Sanlam’s commitment towards nurturing Kenya’s athletic talent, as a growing career for many young Kenyans across the country.
“We are proud to have one of Kenya’s leading female athletes as the flag-bearer this year. In total, we have 7 Kenyan athletes (4 ladies and 3 men) flying the country’s flag high. As Africa’s only Gold Label Status Marathon and Abbott World Marathon Major Candidate event, the Sanlam marathon provides us with numerous opportunities to affect positive change in the communities we operate in. This race is a way for us to continue to foster the growth of Africa’s economy and showcase the unparalleled potential of her people” he added.
Kirongo has also participated in the ‘Run Rome the Marathon’ in Roma earlier this year, and Linz Australia Marathon in 2018.
The ninth round of the Annual Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will be taking place on Sunday 16 October 2022 along with a range of other races with varying distances on Saturday 15 October 2022.
The theme for this year’s marathon is ‘African Champions Unite’. It seeks to enable African champions from across the continent to compete and sharpen their talent. They will showcase prowess, skill, and dedication, representing absolute devotion to their craft – a synergy they share with Sanlam.
Ultimately, Sanlam’s purposes to be an African champion that fosters continent-wide financial inclusion. It seeks to empower generations of Africans to be financially confident, secure, and prosperous. This race shines a spotlight on Africa and furthers Sanlam’s goal to amplify confidence across the continent and to work together to achieve big things.
As the only gold label marathon on the African continent, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon attracts international running clubs including a world-class elite field of athletes and over 15,000 runners annually.