By Dennis Muritu
Betika has announced a partnership with Athletics Kenya (AK) to sponsor the remainder of the 2024/2025 AK Series with Ksh 15 million in prize money. The sponsorship will cover the remaining legs of the Cross-Country Series and the entire 2024/2025 Track and Field Series, culminating in the National Championships for both events.
The collaboration was officially unveiled at a ceremony in Nairobi on Monday, attended by Betika Group CEO Mutua Mutava, Athletics Kenya President Lt. Gen (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei, and notable athletes, including women’s marathon record holder Ruth Chepngetich. This partnership, now named the Betika AK Series, will culminate at the National Athletics Championship at Nyayo National Stadium in June 2025.
As part of the sponsorship, a new prize money structure has been introduced, with Ksh 150,000 awarded to senior category winners, Ksh 100,000 for U-20 winners, and Ksh 50,000 for the 2 KM Loop category during the National Cross-Country Championship. Cash prizes will also be given to the top ten finishers across the three categories during the remaining Meets of the series.
Betika will also sponsor the “Road to Tokyo” campaign, leading up to the 2025 World Athletics Championship in Tokyo. This initiative will include support for training camps and trial runs, ensuring that athletes receive comprehensive backing as they prepare for the global stage.
CEO Mutua Mutava emphasized Betika’s commitment to Kenyan athletics, stating, “We are proud to support Kenyan athletics and play a role in nurturing talent. This sponsorship will further enhance the resources available to our athletes, helping them excel on the world stage.”
In addition, AK will support the remaining Betika-affiliated races, including the Betika 15KM Nandi Road Race, Betika Iten 15KM, and the Betika Uasin Gishu Half Marathon in 2025.
Athletics Kenya President Lt. Gen (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei expressed his appreciation for Betika’s continued support, highlighting the company’s consistent dedication to the sport.
“We are excited about this deepened partnership, which will have a lasting impact on our athletes’ success,” he said.
The launch of this partnership comes ahead of the upcoming Cross-Country race in Bomet on November 30, 2024, marking the beginning of an exciting series of events under this new collaboration.
