Medals at stake as Kili Marathon gets underway

Moshi. Moshi will be the centre of attraction today as the Kilimanjaro Marathon takes place with over 8,000 competitors expected to start the gruelling race.

Organisers of the crowd-puller disclosed that professional, amateur and fun runners, including local and foreigners from around 44 countries will compete at this year’s edition.

The event features four categories; full marathon, sponsored by Kilimanjaro Premium Lager, Tigo half marathon, Gapco 10km for disabled and Grand Malt’s 5km Fun Run.

Moshi athletics enthusiasts will have a chance to witness the likes of Sarah Ramadhani, Jackline Sakilu, Magdalena Sere, Giniki Emmanuel, Basil John, Gabriel Gerald and Dickson Marwa running.

Tanzanian runners would like to upstage the visitors, but they face an ultimate challenge to improve the country’s record in the annual race.

For many years, the Tanzanian runners have struggled to break the dominance of Kenyan competitors.

During last year’s edition, Kenyan runners won all top positions in both full and half marathon, men’s and women’s events.

Only two Tanzanians Sigiarid Ngolly (men’s marathon) and Angel Joseph (women’s mrathon) managed to make it to the top 10 list after finishing 6th and 8th respectively.

Tanzanian athletes will have to draw inspiration from Fabiola William and Ismail Juma who defied the odds o beat Kenyans at the 2015 edition.

While the 42km full marathon and 21km half marathon are the main events that always attract elite runners from inside and outside Tanzania, the 10km Disabled Run and 5km Fun Run have also proven to be popular in recent years.

The Permanent Secretary in the ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Elisante Ole Gabriel will be the guest of honour at the event, which will be spiced up by music performances by Joh Makini and Dogo Janja among others.