At DBA Africa we believe that opportunity fuels potential. Through the Athletics Race Fund (ARF), we are breaking down financial and logistical barriers so that promising runners can focus fully on performance. The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon 2025 marked another milestone in this mission, as 22 athletes supported by DBA Africa, TheKevin McCool Memorial Fund and the ARF took to the streets of Nairobi to compete.

Ready for the Big Stage

For many of the 22 runners, this was their first time competing in Nairobi’s biggest race. Despite the pressure of the city’s altitude and scale, they arrived ready and eager, united under one mission, to perform and learn. Their preparation reflected the ARF’s growing success in creating structured pathways for athlete development in Kenya, combining mentorship, logistics and wellness support.

Purpose Beyond the Race

This year’s Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon raised over Sh76 million in support of Futuremakers by Standard Chartered, a global initiative that promotes economic inclusion and opportunities for disadvantaged youth. DBA Africa is proud to align with such causes, as they mirror our belief that sport can drive community transformation, education and employment. By ensuring athletes have access to opportunity and structure, the ARF contributes directly to this vision of empowerment through sport.

Healthy U: Fueling Success on Every Level

Healthy U has been a key partner in the Athletics Race Fund (ARF) journey, supporting athletes across multiple events leading up to the marathon. Their role at the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon was particularly impactful, ensuring that runners at every level, from elite competitors to community participants, stayed hydrated and energised throughout the weekend. At the event, the Healthy U stands in the runners’ village and corporate zone became a vital performance hub, offering free energy gels, electrolyte rehydration packs, recovery products and even physiotherapy consultations. This on-site support helped athletes prepare effectively, stay fuelled during their races, and recover quickly afterwards. Working alongside other wellness partners, Healthy U demonstrated how meaningful, practical support can directly improve athlete performance and wellbeing.

Their collaboration with DBA Africa goes beyond sponsorship, reflecting a shared commitment to athlete welfare, nutrition education and holistic development. Thus ensuring that performance is sustained safely. As Healthy U Director Avni Rach, said, “Supporting athletes at every level is an investment in Kenya’s future. When we nurture wellness and talent together, we help build a stronger, healthier generation ready to lead both on and off the track.”

Beyond the Finish Line

To ensure the athletes were fully supported throughout the weekend, the ARF appointed Abraham Guot, a seasoned South Sudanese athlete based in Iten, to lead the Nairobi contingent. Abraham was injured in the lead up to the Standard Chartered Marathon and could not take part, however the ARF saw his experience as both a coach and mentor could allow him to thrive as a manager. And it truly made him invaluable to the group, he organised logistics, coordinated sponsorship shoots, handled media briefings and ensured every runner was ready when it mattered most.

This leadership model reflects DBA Africa’s wider philosophy in developing not only athletes but also young sports leaders through exposure and responsibility. By empowering individuals like Abraham, we strengthen the next generation of mentors who will guide and inspire future athletes across East Africa.

The ARF’s impact extends far beyond race day. It represents structure, integrity, and local leadership in action. Through partnerships with organisations like Healthy U and the continued investment in athlete welfare, DBA Africa remains committed to building pathways that connect talent to opportunity. Every race, every partnership, and every athlete supported is a step closer to transforming sport in Kenya into a system built on access, wellness and belief.