Tanzanian athletes sparkle at Tanfoam Marathon as it gains global status

ARUSHA: TANZANIAN runners displayed remarkable performance by topping the Tanfoam International Marathon held here over the weekend.

Local athletes emerged as winners in both  42-kilometer and 21-kilometer races for both men and women categories.

In the men’s 42km race, Modest Kalist from Ambassador Club Arusha claimed victory after clocking 2 hours, 15 minutes, and 58 seconds.

He was followed by Kenya’s Mosses Mengich, who finished second in 2:20:02, while Uganda’s Akankwasa Jonathan secured third place with a time of 2:20:23.

In the women’s 42km race, Vaileth Adam from Talent Club Arusha took first place in 2:42:10. She was followed by Kenya’s Maureen Jepkoech, who finished in 2:43:19, while third place went to Kenya’s Edna Too, who recorded a time of 2:44:16.

In the men’s 21km race, Boay Maganga from Talent Club won in 1:04:50, followed closely by Protas Gabriel from Singida, who finished in 1:05:04.

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In the women’s 21km race, Magdalena Shauri from JWTZ emerged victorious with a time of 1:11:36.

 In the 10km category, Sisilia Gonoka from TPDF won in the women’s race, while Inyas Sulle from TPDF claimed victory in the men’s race with a time of 30:03.

Speaking during the event, Tanfoam’s Head of Sales, Glorious Temu, who also serves as the race chairman, said the main goal of the marathon is to promote sports and give back to the community by supporting various vulnerable groups. He thanked all sponsors and participants for taking part and contributing to positive change in society, adding that preparations are already underway for the 2027 edition.

He also noted that this year’s marathon was part of the company’s 60th anniversary celebrations since its establishment, with more than 1,000 participants taking part. Winners received substantial cash prizes and Tanfoam products.

The guest of honor, Cosmas Sadati, CRDB Bank Northern Zone Manager, praised Tanzanian athletes for outperforming their international counterparts, saying it reflects the significant progress being made in athletics in the country.

Meanwhile, the President of the Tanzania Athletics Federation, Rogath Steven, said the marathon has now gained international status and has been included in both the African and World Athletics calendars after meeting all required standards. He added that this recognition has attracted athletes from countries such as Kenya and Uganda.

“This race has become a catalyst for development. We recognize the contribution of organizers, and they must continue to follow the established rules and regulations. Those who fail to comply will face action,” he said.