Simbu lifts the lid on the marathon’s winning formula

DAR ES SALAAM: DISCIPLINE, endurance, and dedication are the key elements that enabled Tanzanian marathoner Alphonce Felix Simbu to claim a worthy gold at the IAAF World Athletics Championship in Japan.

He said Tanzanian athletes should not give up when positive results are slow in coming and instead put in more effort, discipline, and dedication so as to achieve their desired goals.

The marathoner made the statement earlier today, September 23, 2025, upon his arrival at the Julius Nyerere International Airport from Tokyo, Japan, where he won a gold medal in the World Athletics Championship last week.

Addressing reporters, Simbu disclosed that he has been hunting for the gold medal for about 10 years and his success today didn’t come by chance but was due to his unwavering dedication, resilience, and discipline.

“I have been pursuing this medal for ten years. I first competed in this event in 2015 in Beijing, China, but I did not give up. In 2017, I went to London, got the third position, and won a bronze medal. Since 2017, I have participated in this competition many times and faced failures, but I persevered,” he said.

He added, “This year, with the support of the Athletics Tanzania Federation, Arusha regional leaders, and the military leadership, we committed to trying again, and this year has been a huge success. I was amazed because we competed against Kenyans, Ethiopians, and even they could not believe a Tanzanian had won.”

ALSO READ: Simbu victory sends World Athletics Championships commentator viral

In his statement, the marathoner who is also a soldier of the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) noted that no dream is unachievable for those who invest efforts in it.

“I want to encourage athletes that they can achieve their dreams if they don’t give up. Giving up prevents you from reaching your goals, but with effort, anything is possible,” he said.

Additionally, he extended his gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s continuous support for Tanzanian sports, noting that her encouragement is what motivated her to work hard.

“The President wishes to see athletes perform well, and when sports succeed, we all benefit. Her encouragement, especially in football, has motivated me and other athletes to work hard and take Tanzania further in sports,” he said.

Simbu won the grueling 42km Marathon race in a dramatic finish, clocking 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 48 seconds, where he produced a spectacular dip finish to claim his nation’s first-ever world championship marathon gold medal.