Betika backs Kenyan marathon blending elite racing with environmental initiative
Betika-backed marathon in Kenya combines elite racing, cycling competitions and community initiatives as part of a wider environmental campaign.
Kenya.- Betika has backed a marathon event in Kenya that brought together competitive road racing, cycling competitions and community initiatives as part of a wider environmental campaign.
Mutua Mutava, Group CEO of Betika, said: “We believe in the power of sports to change lives and create opportunities.” He added that the event also featured a free medical camp for residents and tree planting activities linked to broader sustainability efforts.
The marathon delivered strong performances on the course, with Elijah Mbaire and Agnes Mumbua Ndolo emerging as the men’s and women’s marathon champions respectively. Mbaire secured victory in the men’s race in 2:16:44, narrowly beating Charles Munyua Njoki, who finished just one second behind in 2:16:45.
In the women’s race, Mumbua crossed the finish line in 2:42:56 to claim the title ahead of Fridah Chepkite Todepa, who placed second in 2:48:33, while Naomi Wambui Muriuki finished third in 2:49:29.
Both winners received KES 500,000 (€3,600) in prize money. Second-place finishers earned KES 200,000 (€1,440), while third place received KES 100,000 (€720) with organisers confirming that cash prizes were awarded to athletes finishing up to 10th place.
More than 200 athletes registered for the event, which featured several race distances including 42km, 21km and 10km runs, alongside cycling competitions such as an 84km professional race and a 42km under-23 race.
Beyond the racing programme, organisers planted around 2,200 trees during the event as part of a broader initiative aimed at restoring forest cover in the Lukenya ecosystem. The initiative brings together athletes, corporate partners and local communities through an event that combines sport, environmental action and community outreach.
