Eyes on Simbu as star runners battle for title

Dar es Salaam. Star athletes from Kenya, Zambia and hosts Tanzania are in Karatu, Manyara, for the 2019 Ngorongoro Half Marathon, which takes place today.

Race coordinator Meta Petro said yesterday that Kenya and Zambia will field eight and two runners respectively in the eagerly awaited event.

Minister for Tourism and Natural Resources, Hamis Kigwangalla, will grace the event, which starts at 8am, according to Petro.

Last year’s winner in the women’s category, Monica Cheruto, is among the eight Kenyan runners eyeing top honours in the race.

The race, which has been sponsored by Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA), will also feature Tanzania’s top runners.

The athletes include Alphonce Simbu and Fabian Joseph (men), Magdalena Shauri and Natalia Elisante (women).

“Over 700 athletes will battle it out for top honours in this year’s Ngorongoro Half Marathon,” said Petro.

For runners who have qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and IAAF World Championships to be held in Doha, Qatar, today’s race will serve as a beneficial warm-up,” he added.

The winner of the men’s and women’s categories will get Sh1million and a gold medal each, while Sh500,000 will go to the first runners-up.

Sponsors have also set aside Sh200,000 and Sh100,000 for second runners-up and third placed.

Winners of the 5 Kilometre race in both categories will pocket Sh300, 000 each, while the first and second runners-up will take home Sh200, 000 and Sh100, 000 respectively.