Yekepa, Nimba County, June 26, 2026 – ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) has reaffirmed its commitment to sports development by presenting a US$35,000 sponsorship check to the Liberia Marathon Trust ahead of the 2026 Liberia Marathon.
The check was presented Thursday at the company’s offices in Yekepa as part of AML’s three-year Platinum Sponsorship agreement with the Liberia Marathon Trust. Under the arrangement, the company will contribute US$35,000 annually for the 2025, 2026, and 2027 editions of the event, amounting to a total investment of US$105,000.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony, AML Chief Executive Officer Michiel Van Der Merwe described the Liberia Marathon as more than a sporting event, saying it symbolizes the resilience, determination, and potential of the Liberian people.
“The Liberia Marathon is not just a race. It is a demonstration of who Liberians are—resilient, determined, and unstoppable,” Van Der Merwe said. “That is why ArcelorMittal Liberia is proud to continue supporting this event.”
He said AML’s Platinum Sponsorship reflects the company’s commitment to initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles, national unity, and opportunities for young people.
Van Der Merwe noted that the Liberia Marathon is the country’s only World Athletics-accredited long-distance road race, making it an important platform for showcasing Liberia internationally.
He emphasized that AML’s partnership with Liberia extends beyond mining, pointing to the company’s investments in healthcare, education, railway infrastructure, and community development in Nimba, Bong, and Grand Bassa counties.
According to him, AML has invested more than US$3.5 billion in Liberia over the past two decades, including more than US$800 million in the rehabilitation of the Buchanan-Yekepa railway and the construction of Liberia’s first iron ore concentrator plant.
“Sports development is community development,” he said. “When a young Liberian wins the marathon, it builds confidence, discipline, and ambition.”
Van Der Merwe also encouraged Liberians to participate in the November race, noting that AML employees, including senior management, will again join thousands of runners.
“We are proud to present this check in fulfillment of our sponsorship commitment, and we look forward to running alongside Liberians once again,” he said.
The Liberia Marathon Trust praised AML for its decade-long partnership, describing the company as one of the event’s most dependable supporters.
Trust officials said AML’s contribution extends beyond financial support, noting that the company mobilized more than 120 employees from several counties to participate in the 2025 marathon, including CEO Michiel Van Der Merwe.
The Trust said the Liberia Marathon, launched in 2010, was established to identify and develop long-distance running talent, promote healthy living, and project a positive image of Liberia internationally.
Organizers noted that the marathon maintains international standards through a World Athletics-accredited course and electronic chip timing.
According to the Trust, the 2025 edition attracted more than 3,300 participants representing 36 nationalities, including athletes using wheelchairs, crutches, and participants with hearing and visual impairments.
The 2026 Liberia Marathon is scheduled for November 15 under the theme, “Building Bridges and Breaking Barriers,” with organizers targeting 5,000 participants.
The Trust also acknowledged the support of Youth and Sports Minister Cornelia Kruah for her continued commitment to the event.