Local athletes dominate 2025 Kili Marathon

KILIMANJARO: LOCAL athletes dominated the 2025 Kilimanjaro International Marathon, claiming the top spots in the race held yesterday in Moshi, Kilimanjaro.

Hamis Misai won the men’s full marathon (42.2 km) after clocking 2:20:45. Misai was followed by fellow Tanzanian Aloyce Simbu, who ran 2:21:17 and Kenya’s Abraham Kipkosgei, who finished third in 2:24:12.

In the women’s category, Kenya’s Jacinta Chepkoech finished first in 2:45:39, followed by Rwanda’s Agnes Musabyimana in 3:00:07 and Tanzania’s Neema Sanka in 3:00:49.

In the Half Marathon (21.1 km), Tanzanian runner Failuna Matanga took first place after clocking 1:17:37, followed by Kenya’s Irine Wawuda in 1:18:44 and Tanzanian Neema Festo in 1:21:38.

At the award ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Doto Biteko urged stakeholders to work closely with Kilimanjaro International Marathon organisers to harness the event’s growing popularity to boost the country’s tourism industry.

“Participation in this marathon has been increasing every year, last year, 12,800 people took part and this year, the number has surpassed 20,000 and this growth shows the event’s potential to rapidly grow the sports and tourism sector if leveraged properly,” Biteko said.

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He also encouraged Tanzanians to stay active and adopt healthier lifestyles to combat the rise of non-communicable diseases.

“Regular physical activity is crucial for health and we must also maintain discipline in our eating habits to prevent these diseases,” he added.

Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Palamagamba Kabudi echoed Biteko’s sentiments, highlighting the marathon’s role in advancing sports in the country.

“We, along with other stakeholders, must continue to support this race, as it is vital for promoting sports, tourism and the national economy,” Kabudi said.

Resident Director of Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL), Michelle Kilpin, expressed the company’s commitment to the event’s growth.

“We are proud to be a major partner in this internationally recognised event and we will continue working with our fellow sponsors to ensure its continued success,” Kilpin stated.

A representative from Yas Tanzania, Innocent Rwetabura reaffirmed the company’s commitment to support the marathon for more years to come.