Kilimanjaro Premium Lager: Celebrating 24 Years of Running, Culture and Unity

KILIMANJARO: As the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, Kilimanjaro always blesses it with its rare and beautiful sighting, the Kilimanjaro Premium Lager International Marathon continues to rise, now marking its 24th edition in 2026.

This celebrated event has grown from a small gathering of 500 social runners over two decades ago into one of Africa’s most iconic road races, attracting more than 13,000 participants from over 60 countries.

What started as a dream to promote athletics and tourism in Tanzania has now become a global showcase of endurance, unity, and celebration — all under the proud sponsorship of Kilimanjaro Premium Lager, which has supported the event since its inception in 2003.

The brand’s 24-year legacy of sponsorship has remained steadfast, turning the marathon into not just a race — but a cultural festival.

The consistency of Kilimanjaro Premium Lager support has helped grow the event into the largest marathon in Tanzania and one of the most professionally organized in East Africa, drawing increasing participation from both elite runners and everyday enthusiasts.

Speaking during the official Dar es Salaam launch of the 24th edition at Johari Rotana Hotel on 17th October 2025, TBL Marketing Director, Khensani Mkhombo underscored how the marathon continues to play a vital role in driving sports tourism and economic growth.

“The Kilimanjaro Premium Lager Marathon has become an iconic event not just for Tanzania, but for the region and the world,” Khensani said.

“Runners from more than 60 countries take part every year, and many also visit our national treasures — from Mt. Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar. It’s a true symbol of how sports and tourism go hand in hand.”

She further states that this enduring partnership is deeply rooted in shared values and national pride:

“The Marathon is more than just a sporting event. It’s a celebration of the Tanzanian spirit — resilience, warmth, and togetherness. Every year, thousands come to run, cheer, and enjoy our great Kilimanjaro Premium Lager Marathon, making this truly ‘the people’s race.’ We’re proud to have walked and run this journey with them for 24 years.”

The marathon has become a breeding ground for Tanzanian athletic stars, none more notable than Alfonce Simbu, who recently brought home Tanzania’s first gold medal in the men’s marathon at the Tokyo World Athletics Championships 2025.

Simbu is a product of the Kilimanjaro Marathon. His success embodies exactly why this race was founded — to promote athletics, identify talent, and put Tanzania on the global sports map since it started way back in 2003.
As the countdown to next year’s race date of the 22nd March, 2026 begins, registration is open and excitement is mounting.

Participants are according to Khensani, urged to register early and book accommodation in advance, as Moshi becomes fully booked well ahead of the event.

From humble beginnings to global recognition, the Kilimanjaro Premium Lager International Marathon continues to run strong — a true symbol of endurance, partnership, and the unbreakable Tanzanian spirit.

The event does not only promote sports and tourism, but also contributes significantly to Moshi’s local economy each year, filling hotels, restaurants, and tour operators with runners and supporters who come for the experience of running beneath the majestic snow-capped peak.

It transforms Moshi into a vibrant festival. From nyama choma feasts to live music shows and surprise performances at The Kili Dome where Kilimanajro Premium Lager activate and bring together people to connect, enjoy and celebrate.

Filled with fun, flair, and unforgettable memories, it’s about the joy of participation, the beauty of Kilimanjaro, and the friendships formed along the way.

For the 2026 race scheduled for 22nd March 2026 at Moshi Cooperative University (MoCU), Kilimanjaro Premium Lager total prize money has increased to Tsh 34 million.

The top male and female finishers in the 42 km full marathon will each take home approximately Tsh 5 million, while the first Tanzanian man and woman to cross the finish line will receive bonus prizes of Tsh 600,000 each.
Prizes will also be awarded in the veterans and masters categories — an initiative that has encouraged lifelong fitness and inspired older runners to keep challenging themselves.

The Marketing Director expresses deep gratitude to the sponsors and stakeholders, adding:

“It takes teamwork to make an event of this magnitude possible. From our co-sponsors to the Kilimanjaro regional authorities, Athletics Tanzania, the police, medical teams, and local media — your dedication ensures that this marathon remains one of the best-organized in Africa.”

This year’s sponsors include Main Sponsor – Kilimanjaro Premium Lager in the 42.2 kilometres category, while YAS is the official sponsor of the Half Marathon (21 km), and CRDB Bank sponsors the 5 km Fun Run.

Official Supporting Sponsors – Kilimanjaro Water and TPC Sugar, while Official Partners are – GardaWorld Security, Toyota Tanzania, Columbia Sportswear, Simba Cement, and ALAF Limited.

Official race suppliers are Salinero Hotel, Kibo Palace Hotel Arusha, and Keys Hotel Moshi.

The event is organized by Kilimanjaro Marathon Company Limited every year in Moshi while Wild Frontiers Events are responsible for all the inbound travel and international marketing of the event.