Team DBA Dominates the Nairobi City Marathon

It was a weekend of non-stop action and milestone celebrations for DBA Africa. No sooner had the celebrations for tennis star Angela Okutoyi’s leaving ceremony concluded than the focus shifted to the tarmac, where eleven of our distance athletes were gearing up for the annual Nairobi City Marathon. Backed by DBA's comprehensive support system, our runners took to the streets and delivered a series of resounding, world-class performances.

The roster featured a strong team of nine male and three female athletes. For nine of these runners, the weekend began with a bold journey to the capital, travelling from outside Nairobi to test their mettle on a broader competitive stage. Runners from upcountry are increasingly drawn to this specific event, largely because the expressway course offers a predominantly flat, fast terrain that is ideal for setting personal bests. They were joined on the starting line by three equally enthusiastic, Nairobi-based Athletics Race Fund attendees, rounding out a formidable eleven-member squad.

When the starter's gun fired, the pace was blistering. Our two female contenders, Vivian Jelangat and Sharon Kipchumba, took the course by storm, showcasing immense tactical discipline and grit as they pushed through the field. David, the DBA Africa representative on the ground, captured the atmosphere perfectly: “The race was incredibly fast from the outset. It was inspiring to watch our participants compete with such intense passion and focus against a highly competitive field.”

That determination yielded phenomenal results at the finish line. Facing elite opposition, Vivian crossed the line in an impressive 2:34:04 to secure an outstanding 8th-place finish. Hot on her heels was Sharon, who claimed the 10th position with an equally commendable time of 2:35:10.

Placing two athletes in the top ten of a major city marathon is an incredible athletic achievement on its own, but the impact of their performance extends far beyond the leaderboard. By securing these top-tier finishes, Vivian and Sharon earned a cumulative prize purse of 535,000 Kenyan Shillings, a life-changing sum of financial support that will directly fuel their ongoing training, development, and career progression.

The entire DBA Africa community is incredibly proud of the determination, resilience, and sportsmanship displayed by all eleven athletes throughout the weekend. This successful outing underscores the vital importance of providing pathways for talent to shine on the grandest stages. Building on the momentum of this year’s Nairobi City Marathon, we look forward to expanding our athlete support program, entering even more dedicated competitors into upcoming major races, and continuing to champion the next generation of Kenyan distance-running talent.