Wakili Marathon to strengthen legal services

DAR ES SALAAM: The Tanzania Public Bar Association (TPBA) said part of the proceeds of Wakili Marathon 2026 will among others, be used to establish a digital legal aid system to help marginalized groups of people access legal aid services at ease.

The inaugural Wakili Marathon to be staged in three categories of 5km, 10km and 21km is scheduled on May 31 this year at Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma with around 5000 participants expected to partake.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam today, May 12, TPBA Secretary General Rashid Said remarked that the event is set to implement two major objectives which are beneficial to the public.

“One of the reasons we have set up this marathon is to mobilize financial resources to assist the TPBA in developing a digital legal aid system that would help marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities, the elderly and the sick access legal aid services wherever they may be, without the need to travel long distances to obtain them.

“The other reason is that it will provide a platform for the launch of Sheria Clubs, a special program designed to equip pupils and students in primary and secondary schools, as well as in colleges and universities with basic legal knowledge across various legal matters.

“This aims at creating a generation of young people from the grassroot level who respect the rule of law and obey the laws of the country,” he said, while insisting that they also plan to hold pep talks with students to inspire them to be law-abiding citizens.

He further revealed that the marathon is not meant for legal professionals only but rather, everyone who is willing and ready to be part of this big legacy is invited to participate.

“We expect judges, parliamentarians, cabinet ministers, lawyers, advocates, law lecturers, law students and the entire general public to register for 40,000/- and be part of this inaugural event,” he said.

He then used the platform to urge people to register in big number to attend this trailblazing marathon as different lucrative prizes will be awarded to those who will perform best.