Bunge Marathon goes international

DODOMA: President of the Tanzania Athletics Federation (RT), Rogath Akhwari, has said the third edition of the Bunge Marathon, slated for April 18 this year in Dodoma, has attained international status as it will involve runners from different countries across the region.

With such status, the RT boss called on Members of Parliament to bring talented young runners from their respective constituencies to participate in the marathon, noting that it will provide a platform for them to test their abilities ahead of international competitions such as the Commonwealth Games.

He said this at a meeting held in Dodoma to introduce kits that will be used during the Bunge Marathon, suggesting that through inter-school competitions for primary and secondary students, such as UMITASHUMTA and UMISETA, talented runners should be encouraged to seize the opportunity presented by the capital city competition.

“I encourage lawmakers to come with those young runners who are performing well in UMITASHUMTA and UMISETA, as they hold great future potential,” he insisted.

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He said even the prize for the top winner, amounting to 6m/-, signifies the high status of the Bunge Marathon, calling on runners to participate since it is not only for health reasons but also for generating income, as sports is a form of employment.

Chairperson of the Bunge Marathon and Bunge Bonanza, Festo Sanga, welcomed citizens to run with their MPs, noting that the initiative aims at strengthening unity and solidarity in the country.

He said the Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania has been collaborating with stakeholders in organising the Bunge Marathon and thanked Silent Ocean for sponsoring this year’s event.

Sanga, a lawmaker representing Makete Constituency, said that during the annual event, participants will also be encouraged to donate blood, and the organising committee will collaborate with the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) to achieve the goal.

According to him, the Second Vice President of Zanzibar, Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, will be the guest of honour at the event, which will bring together people from all walks of life, including ministers and ordinary citizens.