Shot in the arm as Athletics Kenya lands sponsorship deal

 Athletics Kenya have today got a massive shot in the arm after landing sponsorship from a gaming firm for the remainder of the 2024/2025 AK Series.

The sponsorship, to the  tune of Ksh15 million in prize money,  covers the remaining legs of the Cross-Country Series and the entire 2024/2025 Track and Field Series all the way to the national championships for both events.

The announcement was made during a joint unveiling ceremony in Nairobi, graced Athletics Kenya President Lt. Gen (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei, and select athletes led by the reigning women’s marathon record holder Ruth Chepngetich

Under the new partnership, the series will highlight a new prize money structure for the top ten finishes in the senior category, the U-20 category, and the 2KM loop during the National Cross-Country Championship. Winners in the three categories will go home with Ksh 150,000 for the senior category, Ksh 100,000 for the U-20 category, and Ksh 50,000 for the 2 KM Loop.

There will also be cash prizes for the top ten during the remaining Meets across the three categories. Winners in the senior category will receive Ksh 50,000 while those in the U-20 category will get Ksh 30,000 and Ksh 10,000 for the 2km loop.

The new sponsor will headline the “Road to Tokyo” campaign leading to the 2025 World Athletics Championship in Tokyo, a package that will include sponsorship of training camps and trial runs, ensuring athletes receive robust support as they prepare for the world stage.

Speaking at the unveiling, Betika Group CEO Mutua Mutava said: "This partnership is a testament to our continued support for Kenyan athletics. We have been in the athletics space for a while, sponsoring and holding different races and track and field events, and this collaboration gets us immersed fully in the sport. Athletics has always been a source of pride for our nation, and we are honoured to play a pivotal role in nurturing talent and ensuring our athletes have every resource to excel on the world stage.

 We are particularly excited to be part of the Road to Tokyo, a journey embodying the dedication and excellence Kenyan athletes are known for. This sponsorship is specifically focused on providing prize money, further supporting our athletes' hard work and achievements as they strive for greatness on the global stage”. 

Athletics Kenya President Lt. Gen (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei expressed his enthusiasm for the continued partnership with the gaming firm, highlighting the brand's unwavering commitment to supporting athletics.