KILIMANJARO MARATHON 2020 LAUNCHED IN KILIMANJARO

The 18th edition of the prestigious Kilimanjaro Premium Lager Marathon 2020 was launched at the Kibo Palace Homes, in Moshi, Kilimanjaro region, barely one and half months away. Speaking during the launching of the Marathon, the Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner Anna Mgwira praised the sponsors and organisers led by the main sponsors of the event, Kilimanjaro Premium Lager-42 km,

Tigo-21km Grand Malt-5km Fun Run and other water table sponsors for their contributions in uplifting Kilimanjaro Region through the yearly event that has gained popularity inside and outside the country. She praised Kilimanjaro Premium Lager for sponsoring the event for 18 years now and for among other things offering an additional Tsh. 5 million to encourage Tanzanians to do better,

whereby the first Tanzanian male and female will receive an extra Tsh. 1.5 million each. She said that the regional administration would support the sponsors and organizers of the event with the intention of maintain the status of Kilimanjaro region as one of the leading tourists centres through the annual event.

“May I take this opportunity to urge the ministry of natural resources and tourism to come and join forces with us in this event because it adds new tourists in the region and the country in general every year”, she said. She called upon business persons in the region to make good use of the event as a business opportunity because it attracts many potential buyers from different countries of the world and that this year is expected to draw participants from more than 50 countries worldwide.

“Hotel owners and other business persons should start thinking of coming up with different business types of business packages which would attract tourists including those who will want to visit various tourists attractions a move which will generate more income”, she added. Speaking during the event, the Kilimanjaro Premium Lager Brand Manager, Pamela Kikuli, whose brand sponsors the 42 km race expressed her expectations that this year’s event would be better due to the excitement and awareness shown by different people concerning the event.

“Tanzanians taking part in the full marathon should train harder so that most of the prizes can remain home,” she said, adding, the total prize money is Tsh. 23 million with the first male and female receiving Tsh. 4 million each while there is an additional Tsh 3 million to encourage Tanzanians to perform better. “There would be an extra Tsh. 1.5 million to both Tanzanian men and women who will finish first in the full marathon category”, she noted.

On his part, the Northern Zone Tigo Acting Zonal Director, Aidan Komba said they were proud to be the sponsors of the 21km race popularly known as the Tigo Half Marathon which will be part of the Kilimanjaro Marathon.

“We are excited to once again be part of this iconic road race that brings together elite athletes alongside people from all walks of life under the umbrella of celebrations through sports, fun, culture, tourism and healthy living,” he said.

"I urge participants to register and pay via Tigo Pesa services by dialing *149*20# in order to participate in the world-renowned 21km Tigo Half Marathon,” said Komba, adding, Tigo is partnering with other organizations to support the landmark event, which not only plays a huge part in promoting Tanzania’s tourism attractions to the worldwide community, but also brings together families and friends from all nations to create unforgettable memories.

Grand Malt Brand Manager, David Tarimo, said they were gearing towards a bigger 5km Fun Run and appealed to participants to register on time, whereby he assured the participants of Grand Malt drinks which he said would be available in the newly-launched 330 ml can.

Other sponsors include Kilimanjaro Water, Barclays Bank, Simba Cement, TPC Sugar, Precision Air, Kibo Palace Hotel, Unilever, GardaWorld Security, Keys Hotel and CMC Automobiles.

According to the Kili Marathon Local Race Director, John Bayo, registration was still going on through the race’s website he mentioned as www.kilimanjaromarathon .com as well as through Tigo Pesa services by dialing *149*20#, whereby he said the registration processes were expected to end on February 16, this year.

The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) in Kilimanjaro region have expressed its intention in co-operating with the organizers of the Kilimanjaro Marathon event with the intention of ensuring its success.

"We understand very well that apart from been a sports competition and entertainment, the event also plays a big role in improving the economy of the region through its participants who come inside and outside the country, that's why we have decided to be part of this event whereby this year, some of our members of staff have already registered as participants in different categories of the race", said Khaleed Mchumwa who is the Assistant TRA Regional Manager in Kilimanjaro region.

The Chairman of the Kilimanjaro Hotel Owners Jacob Tarimo, hailed the organizers of the event, which he said has been very valuable to their hotel businesses as well to other businesses within the region and the neighbouring Arusha region.

“May I take this opportunity to urge the regional administration and other development stakeholders to look on ways to add two or three other annual or seasonal events a move which would help advertise and improve the economic wellbeing of Kilimanjaro region”, he said.

The Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner Anna Mghwira(centre) cuts teh ribbon to officially launch the Kilimanjaro PPremium Lager Marathon 2020 in Moshi as sponsors and other invited guests look on.(1)