Arusha braces for Rotary Triathlon race to support community projects

ARUSHA: ABOUT 200 competitors are expected to take part in the Rotary Triathlon on October 24, 2026, in Arusha, featuring swimming, cycling and running, with funds raised set to support community development projects.

Organised by the Rotary Club of Arusha Westside, the event will be held for the 12th time as part of the club’s efforts to support communities in Ngaramtoni ya Chini and Kisongo in Arusha Region.

Speaking here in Arusha, Philip Bowen, Head of School at UWC East Africa’s Arusha Campus and a member of the Rotary Club of Arusha Westside, said funds raised would support projects aimed at empowering women economically, supporting start-up businesses, promoting youth development through sport and assisting job seekers.

Bowen said the triathlon had been successful over the past 12 years, adding that participants were free to choose the races they wished to enter. People aged between six and 60 years would be eligible to participate, depending on the race category.

He explained that some events would involve cycling over 40 kilometres and running 10 kilometres, while younger children would take part in shorter races involving a one-kilometre bike ride and a one-kilometre run.

He added that the event also provides an opportunity for community members to meet and enjoy sport, with members of the public who are not competing encouraged to attend and watch the races.

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On community projects, Bowen said the club had participated in tree-planting activities in various areas, including Maternity Africa Hospital in  Ngaramtoni, as well as clean-up campaigns in streets surrounding Kisongo.

He said the club also supports efforts to eradicate polio and had previously helped provide protective equipment for health workers, veterinary health products and chicken vaccines for entrepreneurs in Ngaramtoni ya Chini.

In the education sector, Bowen said the club had contributed desks to a school in Ngaramtoni juu and provided other forms of support to different schools.

He said the club receives and reviews project proposals from community members before allocating funds, emphasising that priority is given to sustainable projects .