Msakuzi Marathon brings forest run to Dar es Salaam

DAR ES SALAAM: WITH over 1,500 runners, Msakuzi Marathon is underway in July to promote Pande Forest as one tourist attractions Dar es Salaam owns besides the National Museum.

Unlike other type marathons, Msakuzi Marathon is not a road race, it’s is forest run that combs the Pande Forest, a game sanctuary  situated about 25km west of Dar es Salaam, according to the event’s coordinator, Philbert Mosha.

Mosha said Msakuzi Marathon has bl.essing from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism as its intention is to promote Pande Forest Game reserve.

“ Msakuzi Marathon aims to bring a tourist attraction very close to your door,” he adds.

Mr Mosha said Msakuzi Marathon will be staged in July, the period when tourism season officially starts in most of the countroes south of Sahara  Desert.

“ You don’t have to go to Mikumi, Serengeti, or Manyara, Pande Forest Reserve can offer you everything,” he further disclosed.

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He said so far over 700 participants  have been registered as they expect the number to reach over 1,500 runners by July this year.

According to him, there will be four categories of races.

The longest is 21km half marathon, which is the main event while subsidiary events are 10km, 5km and 2km fun races.

Among the unique feature of the Msakuzi Marathon is carnival party that will involve varieties of game meat like buffalo, antelope and impala.

Concluding, Mosha said after completing the grand run, participants will be entertained by live band music and Air Jazz (Anga Anga) under guitarist Rashid Sumuni, will be on stage.