Kili Marathon 2021 launched in Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam. The 19^th edition of the Kilimanjaro Marathon 2021 has been launched in Dar es Salaam with the government showering praises on the event for tremendous growth and its contribution to the economy.

Speaking during the event at the Slip Way Hotel in Dar es Salaam, the assistant director of Sports in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Alex Nkenyenge, said the Kilimanjaro Premium Lager Marathon has greatly contributed to the growth of sports tourism in the country, resulting in more forex earnings.

“The event attracts more than 25,000 visitors in Moshi for almost a whole week, including participants and spectators who also enjoy tourist activities and promote other economic activities in Moshi,” he said.

He called on business people to take advantage of the event, not only to use the opportunity to make more profits but also strive to deliver quality products and services.

He also called on other marathons in the country to emulate Kilimanjaro Marathon for the manner in which it has consistently adhered to the IAAF and Athletics Tanzania guidelines hence growing year after year and attracting sponsors and participants from both in and outside the country.

 “The government will continue working together with the organizers of Kilimanjaro Marathon to make it better and better,” he said.

On the Covid-19 pandemic, he said the government will ensure that all those attending are properly screened, especially those from outside the country.

“Kilimanjaro marathon participants should not be worried for we are exercising all the necessary precautions at all entry points,’ he said.

He lauded the event sponsors led by Kilimanjaro Premium Lager-42km, Tigo-21km, Grand Malt-5km, and water table sponsors - Absa Tanzania, Unilever, TPC Limited, Simba Cement, Kilimanjaro Water and official suppliers GardaWorld Security, Keys Hotel, Kibo Palace Hotel and CMC Automobiles

On her part, the Kilimanjaro Premium Lager Brand Manager, Irene Mutiganzi who also doubles as the Grand Malt Brand Manager, said they were proud to sponsor the event for the 19^th year running because of the brand’s support for tourism and Tanzanian culture as a whole - which the event helps promote.

She said they are well prepared for next year’s event and have set aside Sh25 million in prize money with the top winners in both the male and female category walking home with Sh4 million each and the first Tanzanian male and female in the 42km race will receive a motivational prize of Sh1.5 m each.

She called on participants to register on time as registration has already opened online through www.kilimanjaromarathon.com and via Tigo Pesa.  Irene also appealed to the 5km (Fun run participants to register early as numbers will again be limited.  This year the organizers had to close registration early as all the numbers were sold out early for all distances - the 42km, 21km and 5km races.

The Tigo Head of Marketing Services, William Mpinga said, "As the leading telco with the widest 4G network in the country, we are excited and proud to once again sponsor the Tigo Kili Half Marathon 2021 for the sixth year running."

"We urge participants to register and pay with Tigo Pesa as it is easy and convenient. Runners that do not have Tigo lines can request their friends to register for them. We are optimistic that the Tigo Kili Half Marathon 2021 will continue its tradition of celebrating the spirit of community and athletic excellence."

The launch event was also attended by representatives of the National Sports Council of Tanzania, Tanzania Olympics Committee, Athletics Tanzania, jogging clubs and the media.

According to the organizers, the 19^th edition of the Kilimanjaro Premium Lager Marathon will be held on Sunday February 28, 2021 at the Moshi Cooperative University (MoCU).