Running for the Future of Kenyan Athletics

In the heart of Loresho, a new tradition is taking flight, one where every stride taken helps a young athlete break through the financial barriers standing between them and the world stage.

The Great Leveller is a community-driven engine for the Athletics Race Fund, powered by DBA Africa and the spirit of DBA’s friends in the running community.

A Journey from Iten to the World

Last year, DBA Africa embarked on a mission to bridge the gap for up-and-coming athletes. Central to this campaign has been Storm Trentham, who has been the tireless voice for these runners. From the high-altitude tracks of Iten to the streets of Nairobi, she has pushed for higher standards and the quality support necessary for athletes to focus on one thing, running.

The reality is that many of Kenya's most gifted runners never get scouted simply because they cannot afford the "hidden costs" of the sport: race entries, travel to competitions, and basic accommodation.

How the "Great Leveller" Works

Every last Thursday of the month, runners gather in Loresho for a unique challenge. It’s called the Great Leveller because it’s not about who is the fastest, it’s about how well you know your own pace. Runners start in reverse order with the slowest first, so the aim is that if all runners predict their time correctly, they should all finish around the same time.  Winner is the one who beat their predicted time by the most - subject to honesty! 

• The Format: Participants predict their finish time for a 5KM loop.
• The Difference: You start with the slowest runner first, and the fastest last
• The Run: You hit the pavement and Run Beyond chip times athletes.
• The Impact: Participants optionally donate KES 500 directly to the Athletics Race Fund.

Where Your KES 500 Goes: The Athletics Race Fund

By participating or donating, you are providing a lifeline to athletes who are often forced to choose between their passion and their livelihood. The fund focuses on four key pillars:

1. Race Entry & Logistics: Covering registration fees, travel, and accommodation so athletes can actually show up to the start line.
2. Creating Opportunities: Reducing financial barriers allows athletes to compete in local and national meets, increasing their chances of being scouted by agents.
3. Encouraging Excellence: Providing the platform for athletes to chase Personal Bests (PBs) and showcase talent on the biggest stages.
4. Impacting Lives: Success in a race often means prize money, which provides a sustainable income for an athlete’s family and provides the hope needed to keep training.

Join the Movement: Private & Corporate Support

The Athletics Race Fund thrives on the passion of sports enthusiasts and the vision of corporate partners. You can support this journey in two ways:

• Monthly Contributions: A set, affordable monthly amount that provides consistent, predictable support for our athletes.
• One-Time Donations: A single contribution that makes a massive impact, regardless of the size.

For Corporates: This is an ideal opportunity to align your CSR goals with youth development and sporting excellence, supporting a transparent fund that changes lives one race at a time.

Take the First Step

Ready to run or ready to give? Your support ensures that the next world champion doesn't get left behind because of a race entry fee.

Click Here to Support the Athletics Race Fund

Read through our Impact on the ARF