Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) managing director Joe Sang is banking on his punishing 4 am runs to power him to a sub-three-hour finish at the Berlin Marathon, all while raising millions to educate underprivileged children.
Speaking during the launch of the Joe Sang Foundation on Friday, the corporate boss set a target of raising Sh200 million within two years to support vulnerable children through school.
The initiative has already collected more than Sh10 million, with a target of hitting Sh100 million by year’s end ahead of the January 2026 school intake.
The launch doubled as a fundraiser and a send-off as Sang readies for his second World Marathon Major after debuting in Chicago last year, where he clocked 3:00:07.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were German Ambassador to Kenya Sebastian Groth, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba and top corporate chiefs, led by Radio Africa Group Chief Executive Officer, Martin Khafafa.
To prepare for Berlin, Sang has been grinding out 30km dawn runs, balancing his boardroom duties with training.
"I wake up at 4 am to run from 4:30 am to 6 am and still be in the office by 8 am."
"It takes a lot of sacrifice, perseverance, endurance and patience. It has demanded both mental and physical stamina," he said.
Running has been in his blood since his school days, when he used to run over 5km to and from school in the tea-growing county of Kericho.
Reflecting on his Chicago debut, Sang admitted to a rookie mistake of pushing too hard in the first 21km.
"In Chicago, I ran very fast in my first 21km, only to realise that the race starts at the 30km mark and at 35km that's when you begin seeing stars."
"In Berlin, I should be able to pace myself to ensure that as soon as I have done the 21km I still have the energy and endurance to finish the full 42km in good time."
For him, marathon running is more than a sport; it mirrors the discipline of leadership.
"Preparing for a marathon is not easy because you are running 42km continuously for three hours
"Given the role that I play as managing director of Kenya Pipeline, it's never easy to sacrifice time. Importantly, the mental and physical stamina is able to help me shoulder the responsibility of being a leader, and that to me is big," he said.
"This is a lesson to our leaders to be able to withstand pressure. After running, I am able to focus and make decisions which are on point."
But beyond chasing the elusive sub-3 mark, Sang insists his Berlin mission is about impact.
"I am not running for a medal, I am not running for recognition or to win. I am running to create an impact," he said.
Additionally, he noted the foundation's importance in helping children.
"Too many children still face daunting challenges in terms of education. The Joe Sang Foundation's mission is to transform lives, one child at a time," he observed.
"The foundation's purpose is to be able to support the underprivileged children in our society today. I feel so special to have seen so many Kenyans come out to support us in this initiative."
Ambassador Groth revealed the German Embassy will host a Berlin Marathon watch party in Eldoret, echoing a similar event held in 2022 when Eliud Kipchoge stormed to victory.
"We will organise a big watch party in Eldoret to highlight the Berlin Marathon. We did this two years ago when Eliud Kipchoge won."
"We will do this again this year, but with a focus on highlighting the Joe Sang Foundation and helping the youth of the area."
CS Mbadi lauded Sang's commitment, saying; "Sang has showcased resilience and strong determination. As you head to Berlin, make sure you finish the race."
"We will support you and back you from here in Kenya. You have started a norm."
At the launch, corporates and leaders rallied behind the foundation with pledges; Stanbic (Sh1 m), Jamii telcom (Sh2 m), Access platinum (Sh2m), Cooporative Bank (Sh1m), Kimani Ichungwa (Sh1m), Aron Cheruiyot (Sh1m), Kipchumba Murkomen (Sh1m), Musalia Mudavadi (Sh1m) and Equity Bank (Sh1m).
