NBC Dodoma Marathon raises 1bn/- to support life-saving healthcare

DODOMA: More than 13,000 participants took part in the 2026 NBC Dodoma Marathon, an event that combined athletics with efforts to improve healthcare services for mothers and children across Tanzania.

Held at Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma yesterday, the seventh edition of the marathon mobilised 1bn/-towards healthcare initiatives targeting maternal and newborn deaths, corrective heart surgeries for children with congenital heart conditions, and improved bone marrow transplant services for children living with sickle cell disease.

Graced by the Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, the event was joined by government leaders, private sector representatives and other participants in the five-kilometre race, highlighting the role of physical activity in promoting healthier lifestyles.

In the course, the event attracted athletes from Tanzania, Kenya and other countries, with competitors taking part in the 21-kilometre Half Marathon and 42-kilometre Full Marathon categories.

Speaking during the awards ceremony, Dr Nchemba said the marathon demonstrates how collaboration between the Government and private sector can support programmes with direct benefits to communities.

He noted that participation has increased significantly from 1,500 runners in 2020 to more than 13,000 registered participants in 2026, reflecting growing interest in sports and health awareness.

“The NBC Dodoma Marathon has become more than a road race. It is a platform that brings people together to support efforts aimed at saving lives,” Dr Nchemba said, urging Tanzanians to embrace regular exercise to reduce risks associated with non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and kidney disease.

The Prime Minister also highlighted plans to continue improving road infrastructure in Dodoma City, including upgrading key roads to support transportation and create safer routes for future marathon events.

He called on local authorities to continue supporting the marathon, noting its contribution to tourism, hospitality, transport and other economic activities generated by visitors attending the event.

Dodoma Regional Commissioner Rosemary Senyamule said the marathon has become an important economic activity for the region by creating opportunities for businesses while supporting health and community development initiatives.

NBC Managing Director Theobald Sabi said the marathon reflects the bank’s approach of linking business growth with measurable social benefits.

He announced that 600m/- from funds raised would immediately support three healthcare programmes implemented through medical institutions.
During the ceremony, cheques worth 200m/- each were presented to the Benjamin Mkapa Foundation for its midwives sponsorship programme, the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) for children’s heart surgeries, and Benjamin Mkapa Hospital for strengthening bone marrow transplant services for children with sickle cell disease.
The initiative highlights the growing role of partnerships between financial institutions, government agencies and healthcare providers in addressing critical health challenges.

In the Full Marathon category, Kenya’s Edwin Koech won the men’s race after recording 2:05:12, followed by compatriot Vitalis Kibiwott with 2:12:18. In the women’s category, Kenya’s Agnes Ngolo emerged winner with a time of 2:32:36, while Jacinta Chepkoech finished second at 2:33:26.

The men’s Half Marathon was won by Tanzania’s Bernard Geay, who clocked 1:02:46, ahead of Kenya’s Simon Kelenzoke at 1:02:57 and Tanzania’s Michael Geay at 1:02:59.

In the women’s Half Marathon, Tanzania’s Magdalena Shauri secured first place with 1:08:59, followed by Kenya’s Doreen Chetzop, who finished in 1:10:36.

The Full Marathon champions received 11.5m/- each, while Half Marathon winners earned 5.5m/-.

Since its establishment, the NBC Dodoma Marathon has developed into one of Tanzania’s major charity sporting events, using athletics as a platform to promote healthy living, strengthen partnerships and mobilise resources for social programmes.
Through the 2026 edition, proceeds from the race will support healthcare interventions aimed at improving survival outcomes for mothers and children, demonstrating how sporting events can contribute to broader national development priorities.