Tanzania’s Magdalena Shauri won the women’s Half Marathon after crossing the finish line in 1:08:59, ahead of Kenya’s Doreen Chetzop, who clocked 1:10:36. The Half Marathon champions received Sh5.5 million each, while runners-up took home Sh2.5 million
Dar es Salaam. Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba yesterday led more than 13,000 participants at the 2026 NBC Dodoma Marathon at Jamhuri Stadium, where he praised the National Bank of Commerce (NBC) for mobilizing Sh1 billion to support healthcare programs aimed at saving mothers' and children's lives across Tanzania.
The seventh edition of the marathon attracted runners from Tanzania and abroad, cementing its position as one of the country’s biggest sporting and charity events that combines athletics with social impact.
The funds raised through the event will support three key healthcare initiatives: reducing maternal and newborn deaths during childbirth, financing corrective heart surgeries for children with congenital heart conditions, and expanding bone marrow transplant services for children living with sickle cell disease.
Dr Nchemba joined senior government officials and leaders from public institutions and private sector organizations in the five-kilometre fun run, using the event to encourage Tanzanians to embrace physical activity and healthy lifestyles.
Speaking during the awards ceremony, the prime minister commended NBC for demonstrating how partnerships between the government and private sector can create meaningful social impact.
He said the growth of the marathon from 1,500 participants in 2020 to more than 13,000 registered runners in 2026 reflects Tanzania’s growing sports culture and increasing awareness of the importance of exercise.
“The NBC Dodoma Marathon has become much more than a road race. It is now a national platform that brings together Tanzanians and international friends to support a greater cause—saving lives,” said Dr Nchemba.
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving Dodoma’s road infrastructure, saying better roads would support transportation and create safer routes for future marathon participants.
Dodoma Regional Commissioner Rosemary Senyamule praised NBC for its continued investment in health, sports and community development, describing the marathon as an important economic driver for the region.
NBC Managing Director Theobald Sabi said the event represents the bank’s commitment to ensuring business growth translates into tangible benefits for communities.
He announced that Sh600 million from the funds raised would immediately be directed to three flagship health programs through leading medical institutions.
During the ceremony, Dr Nchemba and Sabi presented Sh200 million cheques each to the Benjamin Mkapa Foundation for its midwives sponsorship program, the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) for children’s heart surgeries, and Benjamin Mkapa Hospital to strengthen bone marrow transplant services for children with sickle cell disease.
“These achievements reflect our commitment to ensuring that business growth goes hand in hand with improving people’s lives,” said Sabi.
He thanked participants, sponsors and partners, including Sanlam Allianz, GSM Group, Vodacom Tanzania and the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), for supporting the event.
Kenya’s Edwin Koech won the men’s 42-kilometre Full Marathon after clocking 2:05:12, ahead of compatriot Vitalis Kibiwott, who finished in 2:12:18.
In the women’s Full Marathon, Agnes Ngolo of Kenya emerged victorious in 2:32:36, followed by fellow Kenyan Jacinta Chepkoech, who recorded 2:33:26.
Both Full Marathon champions received Sh11.5 million, while the top 10 finishers in the men’s and women’s categories were rewarded with cash prizes.
In the men’s 21-kilometre Half Marathon, Tanzania’s Bernard Geay claimed first place after finishing in 1:02:46, followed by Kenya’s Simon Kelenzoke in 1:02:57, while Michael Geay of Tanzania took third place in 1:02:59.
Tanzania’s Magdalena Shauri won the women’s Half Marathon after crossing the finish line in 1:08:59, ahead of Kenya’s Doreen Chetzop, who clocked 1:10:36. The Half Marathon champions received Sh5.5 million each, while runners-up took home Sh2.5 million.
