2026 Kenneth Kaunda Day Marathon gets over K3 million boost from sponsors

THE 2026 Kenneth Kaunda Day Marathon has received a major boost, with Professional Insurance Corporation Zambia (PICZ) and Stanbic Bank committing a combined total of over K3 million in separate sponsorships for the event.

On April 28, thousands of runners are expected to gather in Lusaka for the fifth edition of the Marathon, held annually to celebrate the life and legacy of Zambia’s first republican president, Dr Kenneth Kaunda.

Government has praised the Lusaka Fitness Squad (LFS), along with partners and sponsors, for ensuring that the Marathon has been successfully staged every year since its inception.

Speaking at a briefing, Minister of Tourism Rodney Sikumba described the Marathon as significant in promoting peace and unity across the country.

“This Marathon is very significant because we run to celebrate the life and indomitable legacy of our founding father Dr Kenneth David Kaunda. We run in honour and in unity,” Mr Sikumba said.

Announcing his firm’s sponsorship, PICZ Chief Executive Officer Moses Siame said the company is proud to have supported the Marathon for the past five years.

“This year marks the fifth consecutive year of sponsoring the KK Day Marathon, a milestone that reflects consistency, commitment, and conviction. We are proud to announce that this year, Professional Insurance has pumped in K2 million into this event,” Mr Siame said. He added that PICZ’s support is anchored in respect for Dr Kaunda’s life and legacy.

Stanbic Bank CEO Mwindwa Siakalima also revealed his firm’s contribution.

“I am proud to announce that our sponsorship to this Marathon will be to the tune of K1.5 million. Together with our partners, we are building an event that honours Dr Kenneth Kaunda’s legacy while inspiring national unity, health, and community pride,” Mr Siakalima said.

LFS President Katai Chola described this year’s Marathon as the biggest yet, with over 6,000 runners anticipated.

“LFS began this Marathon as a way to commemorate and celebrate the life and legacy of our founding father Dr Kenneth Kaunda, with an initial 500 runners during the first edition. We are proud to see the event grow to what will be the biggest edition yet, with 6,000 runners,” Mr Chola said.

Zambia Athletics (ZA) President Major Bernard Bwalya pledged maximum support to ensure that participants get value from registering.

“Our role is simple. Our mandate is to regulate these races. We call upon more institutions to come and support this Marathon. We want this race to be ranked by World Athletics,” Major Bwalya said.

Dr Kaunda’s granddaughter, Musata Kaunda, also thanked the organisers for promoting her grandfather’s legacy through the Marathon.

(Mwebantu, Wednesday, 4th March, 2026)