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Long-distance runner Tecla Kirongo will lead an outstanding team of seven athletes to Cape Town for the ninth edition of the Sanlam Marathon.

The Cape Town Marathon team was flagged off yesterday by local non-bank finance solutions provider, Sanlam Kenya officials.

Kirongo recently emerged third in the women’s race at the 2022 edition of the Marathon BP Castellon in Italy held in February this year.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Sanlam Kenya Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Patrick Tumbo reiterated the sponsor’s commitment towards nurturing Kenya’s athletic talent, as a growing career for many young Kenyans across the country.

“We are proud to have one of Kenya’s leading female athletes as the flag-bearer this year. In total, we have seven Kenyan athletes (four ladies and three men) flying the country’s flag high.

Numerous opportunities

“As Africa’s only Gold Label Status Marathon and Abbott World Marathon Major Candidate event, the Sanlam Marathon provides us with numerous opportunities to affect positive change in the communities we operate in.

“This race is a way for us to continue to foster the growth of Africa’s economy and showcase the unparalleled potential of her people” he added.

Kirongo has also participated in the ‘Run Rome the Marathon’ in Roma earlier this year, and Linz Australia Marathon in 2018.

She will be accompanied by Rebecca Korir, Marion Kibor, Judith Cherono, Raymond Kipchumba Choge, Brian Kipsang and Joshua Kogo.

Varying distances

The ninth round of the Annual Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will be taking place on Sunday 16 October 2022 along with a range of other races with varying distances on Saturday 15 October 2022.

The theme for this year’s marathon is ‘African Champions Unite’. It seeks to enable African champions from across the continent to compete and sharpen their talent. They will showcase prowess, skill, and dedication, representing absolute devotion to their craft – a synergy they share with Sanlam.

Ultimately, Sanlam’s purpose is to be an African champion that fosters continent-wide financial inclusion.