FQM Champions Health and Inclusivity at 2025 Absa Marathon
First Quantum Minerals Sponsors 2025 Absa Marathon, Boosting Community Health and Inclusivity
First Quantum Minerals (FQM) reaffirmed its commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and community inclusivity by serving as the official sponsor of the 2025 Absa Marathon, which recorded a historic turnout.
The marathon underscored the power of sport in fostering national pride and community development.
FQM Country Director, Anthony Mukutuma, emphasized that the company’s sponsorship reflects its core values.
“At FQM, we believe sport embodies the principles that drive progress – discipline, teamwork, endurance, and determination. Supporting this marathon is not just about sponsorship; it demonstrates 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. Additionally, twelve athletes from the Kansanshi Athletics Club and over 100 FQM employees from across the company’s operations joined the marathon.
Mukutuma also celebrated the achievement of Zambia’s women’s marathon record holder, Elizabeth Mukoloma, who is supported by the Kansanshi Athletics Club. Mukoloma set a personal best of 2 hours, 37 minutes, and 29 seconds at the Absa Marathon, following 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, Rodney Malindi Sikumba, praised the social and economic impact of the marathon, highlighting that a partnership between Absa and World Vision raised nearly K300,000 for vulnerable girls in rural areas.
“We ran for a purpose – to uplift marginalised girls who need support,” he said, while also noting the marathon’s contribution to sports tourism, with visitors from South Africa and across Zambia filling hotels and restaurants in Lusaka.
Absa Bank Zambia Board Chairperson, Dr Austin Mwape, welcomed the record turnout of over 7,650 participants, calling it the largest marathon ever held in Zambia.
“Absa Bank PLC is proud to support Zambia’s only World Athletics Certified Marathon. The Bank remains committed to promoting health and wellness,” he said, adding that sponsors’ contributions brought the total event cost to K12 million.
Zambia Athletics President, Major Bernard Bwalya, commended the marathon’s growth and launched the “Catch Them Young” program, designed to nurture emerging athletes and expose them to world-class competitions.
