KILIMANJARO: Simba Cement has been a steadfast sponsor of the Kilimanjaro International Marathon for over two decades, contributing significantly to its growth and success.
With 22 years of partnership, the firm has not only been supporting the growth of event, but also witnessing its transformation into one of the most prominent international sporting events in the continent.
Throughout these years, the marathon has experienced tremendous growth. The number of participants has steadily increased, with runners from all corners of the world coming to compete from as far as Europe, America and Asian continents. It left no one behind its history.
Yusuph Kajela, the Promotion and Marketing Officer at Simba Cement, says that it has been a rewarding experience to watch the event evolve and expand each year.
“Our sponsorship has allowed us to be a part of this incredible journey, and we are proud of how the marathon has grown in stature over the years,” he says.
For Simba Cement, supporting the marathon goes beyond brand visibility. The company’s involvement aligns with their core values of promoting wellness and community engagement.
“Our main inspiration for continuing our sponsorship year after year is the opportunity to elevate our brand visibility in Moshi, while also promoting a culture of wellness within the company and the wider community. It’s a win-win situation,” says Kajela.
One of the key ways Simba Cement supports the marathon is by providing a water table along the race route.
Every year, the volunteers who man the table are enthusiastic and dedicated, offering water and soda to the runners while cheering them on.
This initiative has become a hallmark of the company’s involvement in the event, bringing positive energy and community spirit to the race.
“The experience at our water table is always one of the highlights of the event. The energy from our volunteers and the smiles from the runners as they pass by make all the effort worthwhile,” Kajela adds as he reflects on the previous event that took place in Moshi, the home of Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro towards the end of February this year.
In addition to supporting the marathon itself, Simba Cement has also become increasingly involved in the Kili Expo, which runs alongside the marathon. Although they haven’t fully participated in previous years, the company recognizes the value of the expo as a platform for engaging with the marathon community and showcasing their brand. Kajela notes,
“We see great potential in the Kili Expo as an opportunity to engage more with the marathon community and showcase our brand. We are excited to expand our involvement in the expo in future editions.”
This year, Simba Cement sent 46 runners to participate in the marathon. Preparation for the event began a month in advance, with a dedicated runners’ club that trains year-round to ensure that participants are well-prepared.
Kajela shares, “We have a strong commitment to wellness within our company, and that’s reflected in the way we prepare our participants. Our runners train throughout the year and the month leading up to the marathon is crucial for ensuring they are race-ready.”
In terms of product visibility, the company’s goal for the 2025 edition was to increase its brand exposure. With prominent branding and active engagement with both runners and volunteers, Simba Cement ensured that their presence was felt throughout the event.
“This year, we ensured that our branding was more visible, not just to the runners but also to volunteers and spectators. This level of visibility helped to strengthen our connection to the community,” Kajela remarks.
Simba Cement’s sponsorship has not only helped to boost its brand presence but also contributed to the growth of the Kilimanjaro International Marathon itself.
By providing logistical support such as water stations and promoting wellness, Simba Cement has played a crucial role in making the marathon the globally recognized event it is today.
Kajela concludes, “We are proud to have played a part in the marathon’s success, and we look forward to continuing our support for many years to come.”
Looking to the future, the company remains focused on increasing its visibility and strengthening its connection with the Moshi community and marathon participants from around the world.
“We’ll continue to support the marathon, and we are always exploring new ways to enhance our engagement with the event. It’s an important opportunity for us to connect with our community and promote the values that Simba Cement stands for,” Kajela adds.
Simba Cement’s longstanding commitment to the Kilimanjaro International Marathon highlights the company’s dedication to supporting not only sports but also community health and well-being, and it remains a key partner in the event’s success.
This year’s marathon saw impressive performances, particularly from Tanzanian athletes. Hamis Misai won the men’s 42.2-kilometer race with a time of 2:20:45, followed by fellow Tanzanian Aloyce Simbu in second place.
In the women’s category, Kenya’s Jacinta Chepkoech claimed victory, completing the race in 2:45:39.
In the half marathon, Tanzanian runners also excelled, with Failuna Matanga taking the top spot as the event marked its 23rd edition.
The success of the Kilimanjaro International Marathon is not only attributed to the efforts of the organizers but also to the support of sponsors.
Since its inception in 2003, the marathon has become one of East Africa’s premier sporting events, attracting thousands of participants each year to compete in 42.2 km marathon, a 21.1 km half marathon, and a 5 km fun run.
In addition to Simba Cement , the event benefits from the support of sponsors, Kilimanjaro Premium Lager (42km- main sponsor), YAS (21 km Half Marathon sponsor), CRDB (5 km Fun Run sponsor), and water table sponsors including Kilimanjaro Water, TotalEnergies, Simba Cement, and TPC Sugar. Official partners include, GardaWorld, Salinero-Kilimanjaro, and suppliers Kibo Palace Hotel and Keys Hotel.
The Kilimanjaro International Marathon is organized by the Kilimanjaro Marathon Company Limited and coordinated by Executive Solutions Limited.
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