6m/- cash prize on stake as Bunge Marathon draws battle lines
DAR ES SALAAM: THE pulsating 6,000,000/- package is the highest cash prize awaiting the winners of this year’s Bunge Marathon ahead of its flag off in Dodoma in mid-April this year.
That was announced by the Chairperson of Bunge Marathon and Bunge Bonanza, Festo Sanga, who said the third season of the Bunge Marathon is scheduled to take place on April 18, 2026, at Jamhuri Grounds in Dodoma Region.
Speaking to media outlets today, February 28, 2026, in Dar es Salaam, Sanga said preparations for the event have been completed and that its main objective is to support President Samia Suluhu Hassan in her efforts to promote sports and physical exercise across the country.
He noted that President Samia has been at the forefront in demonstrating the importance of exercise and supporting athletes, including assisting national teams and clubs participating in international competitions.
“As Members of Parliament, we have decided to support President Samia in her efforts to oversee and develop sports in the country. We also recognize that we represent citizens, so we saw it fit to engage with them through sports. That is why we have come up with the slogan, ‘Dear citizen, come run with your Member of Parliament,” he said.
He explained that the grand ace will engage runners in 21km half-marathon, a 10m race, and 5km fun race while also insisting that it is an international-standard marathon that meets required benchmarks.
He emphasized that the event is open to all Tanzanians, with registration officially opening on February 28, 2026, at a fee of Sh40,000 through a designated online system.
According to Sanga, more than 5,000 participants took part in previous seasons, and organizers are aiming to break that record this year by increasing the number of participants, including athletes from outside the country.
Meanwhile, the Director of Silent Ocean Company, Mohamed Soloka, whose firm is sponsoring the event, pledged to provide high-quality and modern equipment for the competition. He encouraged citizens to turn out in large numbers to participate, stating that their sponsorship is based on their belief that Parliament is a key pillar of the nation.
“We have sponsored the Bunge Marathon because Parliament is a pillar of the nation. We believe this partnership will benefit both sides, and this year’s Bunge Marathon will be historic,” Soloka said.
In addition to the races, the Bunge Marathon will also serve as a platform for blood donation in collaboration with the National Blood Transfusion Program, supporting efforts to ensure the availability of safe blood for those in need.
The top three winners in each race category will receive cash prizes. In the 5km race, the winner will pocket 2,000,000/-, second place 1,000,000/-, and third placed finisher in both men and women categories will claim 500,000/-.
In the 10km race, the winner will receive 3,000,000/-, second place 2,000,000/-, and third place 1,000,000/-. In the 21km race, the first-place winner will be awarded 6,000,000/-, second place 3,000,000/-, and third place 1,500,000/-.
