NBC Dodoma Marathon turns sport into lifesaving mission

DODOMA: Tanzania’s road racing calendar is set for another major spectacle after the National Bank of Commerce (NBC) officially launched the seventh edition of the NBC Dodoma Marathon, scheduled for July 26, 2026, in Dodoma City. Organizers are targeting more than 15,000 participants from Tanzania and abroad, a figure that would mark the biggest turnout in the marathon’s history.

Following last year’s impressive participation of over 12,000 runners, the event continues to cement its reputation as one of Tanzania’s leading long-distance races, combining elite athletics, public participation and impactful healthcare initiatives under one platform.

The official launch in Dar es Salaam attracted stakeholders behind the event, including representatives from the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, Benjamin Mkapa Foundation (BMF), sponsors and NBC staff.

Speaking during the launch, NBC Managing Director Theobald Sabi said this year’s edition aims not only to improve the race experience but also to expand its contribution to healthcare and community development nationwide.

“As we continue building the NBC Dodoma Marathon, our vision is for this race to remain much more than an athletics competition. This is a race for hope, a race for health and ultimately, a race dedicated to saving lives,” said Sabi.

He explained that funds raised from this year’s marathon will support efforts to reduce maternal and infant deaths during childbirth, finance heart surgeries for children with cardiac conditions and strengthen bone marrow transplant services for children suffering from sickle cell disease.

The marathon will again feature four categories: the 5KM fun run, the 10KM road race, the Half Marathon (21KM) and the Full Marathon (42KM), with strong competition expected from local and international athletes.

According to Sabi, the NBC Dodoma Marathon has raised more than TZS 1.5 billion over the past six years to support healthcare projects across Tanzania.

More than 80 percent of the funds have gone toward the fight against cervical cancer through a partnership with the Ocean Road Cancer Institute. Through the initiative, over 200,000 women have undergone screening, while many have received treatment and recovered.

Sabi added that since 2023, NBC has contributed more than TZS 400 million toward diploma scholarships for 200 midwives through collaboration with the Benjamin Mkapa Foundation. The program seeks to reduce maternal and child deaths during childbirth, with plans underway to expand training opportunities for more healthcare workers.

He further revealed that NBC has allocated 200m/- this season to support pediatric heart surgeries through JKCI and another 200m/- to strengthen bone marrow transplant services for children living with sickle cell disease at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital.

“All these achievements have been made possible through the strong support of our stakeholders and partners who have stood with us throughout this journey,” Sabi said while thanking sponsors and partners for their continued backing.

JKCI Director Dr. Peter Kisenge said the institute currently has more than 1,500 children waiting for heart surgery, with treatment costs ranging between 4m/- and 8m/- per child.

“NBC Dodoma Marathon has brought hope to many families with children suffering from heart conditions. This support will help us procure medical equipment and improve treatment services,” said Dr. Kisenge, noting that two out of every 100 children are born with heart complications.

He added that the marathon has also become an important platform for promoting fitness, healthy lifestyles and the fight against non-communicable diseases through sport.

Benjamin Mkapa Hospital Chief Executive Officer Prof. Abel Makubi said bone marrow transplant treatment for a child living with sickle cell disease can cost up to 200m/-, making the partnership critical in expanding specialist services.

“So far, 30 children have successfully undergone bone marrow transplants and recovered. Our target now is to increase beneficiaries from 10 children annually to 30 every year,” said Prof. Makubi.

Meanwhile, Benjamin Mkapa Foundation CEO Dr. Ellen Mkondya-Senkoro said the partnership with the marathon, launched in 2023, has already supported the training of 200 midwives and nurses now serving in more than 150 health centers across 31 districts nationwide.

Sponsors, including Sanlam Allianz Tanzania and GSM Group, said their continued support reflects the marathon’s commitment to using sport to save lives and drive social transformation.

Registration for the NBC Dodoma Marathon is now open through the official NBC Dodoma Marathon portal, with entry fees set at 45,000/- for individuals and 42,000/- per participant for groups of 30 or more.