Simbu triumphs with bronze medal in Korea

KOREA: TANZANIAN long-distance runner, Alphonce Simbu, has won a bronze medal in the 2024 Daegu International Marathon in Korea. He finished the race in two hours, seven minutes, and 55 seconds on, proudly waving the national flag.

Two Kenyan runners, Stephen Kiprop and Kennedy Kimutai, won gold and silver respectively. Kiprop finished the race in two hours, seven minutes, and four seconds while Kimutai completed it in two hours, seven minutes, and 40 seconds.

In addition to securing third place, Simbu earned 45,000 US Dollars, which is equivalent to 115,939,440/- in local currency.

Tanzania is currently celebrating the success of longdistance runner Simbu, and another runner named Gabriel Geay is set to participate in the upcoming Boston Marathon on the 15th of this month. According to Jackson Ndaweka, the Secretary General of Athletics Tanzania, Geay is the only Tanzanian athlete invited to participate in the race, which will feature other top runners from around the world.

Currently, Geay is undergoing intensive training in preparation for the race, which will start from Eastern Massachusetts to Boston.

Ndaweka further stated that participating in the Boston Marathon is an excellent opportunity for Geay to win a gold medal and a fabulous cash prize, while also gauging his prowess ahead of the Paris Olympic Games scheduled from July 26 to August 11.

Last year, Geay defied the odds by finishing second at the 127th Boston Marathon ahead of favourite Eliud Kipchoge.

In addition to Geay, the Tanzanian Olympic Games squad will comprise Alphonce Simbu, Magdalena Shauri, and Jackline Sakilu, who will represent the country in the marathon.