Kili Marathon 2016 launched
Assistant Director of Sports in the Ministry of Information, Sports and Culture, Alex Nkenyenge (second right) during the launch of the Kilimanjaro Marathon 2016 in Dar es Salaam yesterday. PHOTO|SAID KHAMIS
What you need to know:
The annual race, which has grown to be recognised by the IAAF, will involve marathoners from more than 45 countries, according to organisers.
Dar es Salaam. Over 7,000 runners are expected to slug it out at the Kilimanjaro Marathon 2016, which will take place in Moshi on February 28, 2016.
The annual race, which has grown to be recognised by the IAAF, will involve marathoners from more than 45 countries, according to organisers.
The 14th edition was launched in Dar es Salaam yesterday at a press conference hosted by Kilimanjaro Premium Lager.
Speaking during the launch, the Kilimanjaro Premium Lager brand manager, Pamela Kikuli, expressed her pride in helping take the event to international level. “Kilimanjaro Premium Lager is now in its 14th year as the main sponsor of this prestigious marathon that has come with so many successes and made this one of the biggest marathon races in the region as it currently brings hordes of runners from over 45 countries,” she said.
Kikuli explained further that the half marathon (21 kilometres) will be backed by Tigo as Gapco takes responsibility of the 10km-wheelchair and hand cycle race while Grand Mal will sponsor the 5km race.
Water table sponsors include KK Security, TPC Limited, FNB, Kibo Palace, Kilimanjaro Water, CMC Automobile and Air Rwanda. She appealed to Tanzanian athletes to prepare well so that they can clinch all the prizes in the different races.
According to her, total prizes of the Kilimanjaro Premium Lager Marathon will stand at Sh20million with all top 10 finishers pocketing cash.
She disclosed that winners in both men and women races will go home with Sh4m apiece.
“We cannot forget all the local athletes who have taken part in this marathon and done our country proud. We believe that this marathon will also open doors to our athletes taking part in top international marathons with lucrative prize monies,” she said and also lauded the organisers, Wild Frontiers, national coordinators-Executive Solutions, Athletics Tanzania and the Sports ministry for always ensuring the event is a success.
For his part, the assistant director in the Ministry of Information, Sports and Culture, Alex Nkenyenge, lauded the sponsors and organisers of the event for organising the Kili Marathon superbly every year, adding that the race has turned to be one of the biggest sporting events in and outside the country.
Tigo corporate communications manager, John Wanyancha said they were delighted to sponsor the 21 half marathon for the second year running adding that the race has gained much popularity and that there will be a total cash prize of Sh11m for top 10 finishers.
