DBA Africa, a leading organisation in sports development in Africa, is proud to support 33 young athletes from Iten and the greater Rift Valley as they travel to Nairobi to compete in the Nairobi City Marathon on 6th July 2025.

These athletes are not part of any formal academy. They train on dirt roads, school fields, and village paths, coached by friends, family, or even themselves. This weekend, they finally get the chance to compete, thanks to the partnership between DBA Africa and the Kevin McCool Memorial Fund.

Grassroots Athletics in Kenya Deserves a Chance.

Across Kenya, young runners put in elite-level training without regular chances to race. These self-driven athletes, part of Kenya’s vast grassroots athletics scene, run hundreds of kilometres each week, often without knowing when they’ll get the opportunity to compete.

Their talent and commitment are unmatched.

Through our work in sports development across Africa, DBA Africa aims to identify and uplifts these emerging athletes. With support from the McCool family, DBA has selected 33 runners - 25 men and 8 women, to represent their communities at this major national event.

Real Talent. Real Barriers. Real Support.

The Memorial Fund, in partnership with DBA Africa, has covered race entry fees, transport, and accommodation, removing the financial and logistical barriers that often hold back promising runners from competing.

For many of these athletes, the Nairobi City Marathon will be their first national race. They’ve trained for this moment for years, on steep hills, and village roads, with no guarantee they’d ever get to test themselves against Kenya’s best.

Spotlight on Rising Stars

The fund is proud to support athletes like Esther Chemtai, a promising long-distance runner. Esther has previously won bronze at the World Cross Country Championships and has a personal best of 31:42.06 in the 10,000 metres. She represents the kind of hidden talent that exist in Kenya’s highlands, ready to shine when given the chance.

It’s no secret that Kenya is full of distance running talent. But without opportunity’s, many of these gifted runners remain unseen. That’s why athlete support through funds like the Kevin McCool Memorial Fund is critical.

What DBA Africa Stands For

At DBA Africa, we believe that sport can transform lives. Our mission in sports development in Africa is simple: Change lives through sport.

With support from the Kevin McCool Memorial Fund, we’re opening doors for runners who would otherwise be left behind. We’re honoured to share their stories, and proud to help them take their first steps onto the national stage.

Good Luck to All Runners Competing This Weekend.