KK Day Marathon Launched with K1.5M Sponsorship from PICZ
The Ministry of Tourism today officially launched the Kenneth Kaunda Day Marathon in Lusaka, a key annual event held in honor of Zambia’s founding President, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda.
The marathon—set for April 28th, the day that marks Dr. Kaunda’s birthday—celebrates his enduring legacy through sport, wellness, and national unity.
This year’s marathon received a significant boost with a K1.5 million sponsorship from Professional Insurance Corporation Zambia (PICZ), making them once again the leading sponsor of the event.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Tourism Hon. Rodney Sikumba commended PICZ for its continued support, noting that their partnership is aligned with government efforts to promote healthy living and national development.
“A healthy population is a catalyst for national development,” Hon. Sikumba stated. “Events like the KK Marathon help fight rising cases of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and stroke by promoting physical activity across communities.”
The Minister also highlighted the marathon’s growing impact on the tourism sector, emphasizing its potential to attract both local and international visitors.
“We are developing this event into a tourism product that benefits local businesses—hotels, restaurants, transport providers—and creates income opportunities for communities, especially youth who can volunteer in various roles,” he said.
In her remarks, PICZ representative Ms. Yvonne Majata described the marathon as more than a sporting event, calling it a tribute to unity and Dr. Kaunda’s vision of One Zambia, One Nation.
“This is not just about running,” she said. “It’s about coming together as a nation to celebrate values our founding father stood for—health, unity, and peace. We are proud to support this cause.”
Zambia Athletics Association President Major Mumba Bwalya also thanked PICZ and encouraged more corporate partners to join the initiative.
“The KK Marathon is not only a sporting legacy—it’s also a vehicle for business, tourism, and youth engagement,” he said.
Representing the Lusaka Fitness Squad, event organizers of the marathon, Ms. Choolwe Changula echoed the event’s significance beyond sport.
“This is more than a race. It’s a national reflection, a celebration of heritage, and a step forward in unity—one runner, one heartbeat, one finish line at a time,” she said.
The Kenneth Kaunda Day Marathon continues to grow as a landmark event in Zambia’s calendar, honoring a leader whose commitment to wellness, peace, and national identity remains a guiding force for generations.
