FQM Champions Healthy Living and Inclusivity at Record-Breaking Absa Marathon
First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and community inclusivity by serving as the official sponsor of the 2025 Absa Marathon, which drew a record-breaking turnout.
The event highlighted the powerful role sport plays in fostering community development and national pride.
FQM Country Director, Mr Anthony Mukutuma, said the company’s involvement reflected its core values.
“At FQM, we believe sport embodies the very principles that drive progress – discipline, teamwork, endurance, and determination. Supporting this marathon is not just about sponsorship; it reflects our commitment to investing in the health and well-being of the communities we serve,” he said.
As part of its inclusive approach, FQM supported ten athletes with disabilities from Solwezi, providing six wheelchairs and four sets of crutches to enable their participation. In addition, twelve athletes from the Kansanshi Athletics Club and more than 100 FQM employees from across its operations took part.
Mukutuma also celebrated the achievement of Zambia’s women’s marathon record holder, Elizabeth Mukoloma, who is supported by the Kansanshi Athletics Club. She broke her personal best, clocking 2 hours, 37 minutes and 29 seconds at the Absa Marathon, after her historic 18th place finish at the Comrades Marathon earlier this year.
“Elizabeth’s story is proof of what dedication and opportunity can achieve,” Mukutuma added.
Representing the Minister of Sport, Youth and Arts, the Minister of Tourism, Mr Rodney Malindi Sikumba, praised the social and economic impact of the marathon, noting that a partnership between Absa and World Vision had raised nearly K300,000 for vulnerable girls in rural areas.
“We ran for a purpose – the marginalised girl child who needs to be uplifted,” he said.
Mr Sikumba also underscored the marathon’s contribution to sports tourism, pointing to visitors from South Africa and across Zambia, with hotels and restaurants fully booked in Lusaka during the event.
Absa Bank Zambia Board Chairperson, Dr Austin Mwape, hailed the record turnout of over 7,650 participants, describing it as the largest marathon ever held in Zambia.
“Absa Bank PLC is proud to be behind Zambia’s only World Athletics Certified Marathon. The Bank remains committed to promoting health and wellness,” he said.
He also noted that the sponsors’ contributions brought the total event cost to K12 million.
Zambia Athletics President, Major Bernard Bwalya, commended the growth of the event and launched the “Catch Them Young” programme, which aims to nurture emerging athletes and expose them to world-class competitions.
