SportPesa brings South African runner John April to Moshi for Kilimarathon 2026
As the first light of dawn touches the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro this Sunday, of March 22nd, the 24th edition of the Kilimanjaro Marathon will witness something never seen before. SportPesa Tanzania and SportPesa South Africa have officially welcomed South African trail-running sensation John April to Moshi in a bold commitment to African athletic excellence. This collaboration marks a definitive Make It Count campaign and bridges the gap between Southern and East African athletics on the continent’s most iconic racing stage.
The Kilimarathon has evolved from a local road race to be a global phenomenon that attracts over 12,000 participants from over 60 countries. SportPesa is using this event to tell the story of John April, a South African runner whose back-to-back victories at Outeniqua Marathon and community work in Cape town embody the brand’s core values. By bringing an elite regional athlete to Tanzania’s largest sporting event, SportPesa is not just sponsoring a race, it is driving the narrative of resilience and relentless pursuit of greatness.
The athlete behind the story
John April is a South African from Cape Town, whose trail and long-distance running journey began at grassroots level. His determination and resilience earned him recognition across the running community. April holds back-to-back Outeniqua Marathon titles, owns the PUFfer ultra-trail record, and now competes consistently at international standard.
Besides his athletic career, April runs a mentorship program that supports young runners from disadvantaged communities through run with shoes initiative. He has been able to get sponsorships from DHL and MotoGP riders and Darryn Binder. SportPesa South Africa sponsors April under the SportPesa effect initiative because his community work aligns with the brand’s empowerment goals.
Why SportPesa chose Kilimarathon as the stage for this collaboration
The Kilimanjaro Marathon in Moshi is Tanzania’s largest and the most recognized racing event internationally with over 12,000 athletes from over 60 countries. This is its 24th year, and it has gained so much traction and credibility contributing to athletics growth and local economic activity and community engagement in Moshi over the years. The race route winds through the streets of Moshi at the foot of Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro.
It is one of Africa’s most celebrated running events, with a 42.2km marathon and 21.1km half marathon and 5km fun run. SportPesa Tanzania is supporting communities from grassroots to regional events, and athletes like John April represent that journey, from grassroots races in Cape Town to international stages, demonstrating the discipline and dedication that make the Kilimarathon an ideal platform for the Make It Count story.
Make It Count regional impact
Across the regional borders of East and South Africa, SportPesa Tanzania and South Africa partnership with John April shows a major determination that goes beyond borders and unites fans to a shared race moment. The collaboration between SportPesa Tanzania and South Africa is designed to unify African sports and provide essential support for elite talent to compete on international stages like the Kilimarathon.
The SportPesa Make It Count campaign is boosting local clubs participation in sporting activities and also the community runs. Drawing runners and fans from over 60 nationalities, the sporting event at the bottom of Mount Kilimanjaro, in Moshi has boosted local businesses around the area. This is an event that goes beyond just race, it is boosting athletic and sports activities in the region. Kilimarathon marks the beginning of a collaboration like no other.
Conclusion
The presence of John April at the 2026 Kilimanjaro Marathon is a powerful symbol of what the SportPesa effect can achieve. It is more than just a sponsorship, it is a bridge between nations that celebrates African excellence and resilience. By supporting athletes who in turn mentor the next generation, SportPesa is ensuring that the spirit of Make It Count leaves a lasting legacy far beyond the finish line in Moshi. As the dust settles at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, the message remains clear, when we invest in our talent and our communities, everyone wins. n