The Athletics Race Fund (ARF) addresses a specific need for athletes. From race entry fees, accommodation and travel costs, many promising Kenyan athletes fall through the cracks because they cannot afford the price of participation. ARF has been created to close that gap and give everyone the opportunity, not the fastest, everybody so we can help from the bottom up. Donations can be made in various ways on the DBA website with the public directly supporting African athletes who have the potential but not yet the means. As little as 500ksh or $3 is enough for a local race entry with 10,000ksh or $75 covering door to door for a Nairobi race where the prize money is bigger.  The more donations, the more athletes and start lines we hit.

Solving the Invisible Problem

For athletes a missed opportunity can mean the end of a dream but through the ARF, we're offering a focused channel to help power young Kenyan athletes forward, no questions asked. ARF isn’t a one-off fundraiser. It’s a long-term support system.
What often goes unseen is how many athletes never make it to the starting line. Lack of gear, fees or transport holds back people with genuine talent. The ARF brings visibility to that invisible problem and provides an easy way for individuals to make a direct difference and aid sports development.
With no minimums and a simple donation structure, every contribution counts. The ARF model is built for transparency and grassroots trust. It isn’t about funding the elite. It is about giving a fair start to athletes who’ve earned a chance to compete.

Why ARF Matters Now

This kind of support comes at a time when costs in amateur and semi-professional sport are rising, while direct support to athletes is shrinking. Government funding is limited, and sponsorships rarely reach those at the bottom of the pyramid. The ARF fills that crucial gap, giving ordinary people the power to make an extraordinary difference

Whether it’s a local 5K race in Kapsabet or a national cross-country meet in Nairobi, many athletes simply need help getting to the start line. They already have the talent. They already have the discipline. What they lack is access. ARF is about leveling that field.
As Storm Trentham, co-founder of DBA Africa, puts it:

“The high I get from helping an athlete, and then watching them succeed firsthand, is indescribable. And now, others have the chance to feel that same sense of purpose. Everyone can play a part. Everyone can share in that excitement of making a real difference. Helping others is a real privilege. We should all do it more often.”

Check out our video: Athletics Race Fund Video Clip

Close the gap for underfunded talent, click here to donate to the ARF