Tanzania-China run to commemorate Mwalimu Nyerere

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania-China Run will be held on October 14, featuring 5km, 10km and 15km races to commemorate the contribution of the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere to strengthening friendship and cooperation between Tanzania and China.

The event has been organised by the East Africa Commercial and Logistics Centre (EACLC) and will also promote healthy living, bring Tanzanian and Chinese communities together and raise funds for community services.

EACLC Chairperson, Lisa Wang, told reporters that the run was designed to combine sport and physical fitness with recognition of Nyerere’s role in building relations between the two countries.

“The run is not only about sports and healthy living. It is also about honouring the legacy of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, the Father of our Nation, and remembering his important contribution to the friendship and cooperation between Tanzania and China,” Wang said.

Wang said the event would bring together Tanzanians, Chinese nationals living in Tanzania, employees of Chinese companies, government institutions, private-sector representatives, young people, runners and businesses.

She encouraged individuals and families to take part, saying the event would provide an opportunity for people from both communities to participate in physical activity while interacting through sport.

Secretary-General of the Association of Chinese Companies in Tanzania, Tang Jingyu, said the run would feature three race categories of 5km, 10km and 15km.

Registration will cost 35,000/- per participant, while groups of 10 or more people will pay 32,000/- per person.

Jingyu said funds raised through registration would support community services, giving the event a social purpose beyond the races.

“This is not only a sporting competition, but also an opportunity to strengthen the friendship between Tanzania and China,” he said.

He said the event would provide an opportunity for Tanzanians and Chinese residents to meet through sport, adding that participants would take part as runners regardless of nationality.

Jingyualso urged runners to select distances according to their physical and health conditions and to observe safety during the event.

Runners Club Secretary, Godfrey Mwanakurya, said the routes for the three race categories had already been prepared, with safety taken into consideration.

He urged those who have not yet registered to join the event and take part in the races.