Zanzibar bets on marathon to boost sports tourism

ZANIZIBAR: Zanzibar is stepping up efforts to expand its sports-tourism offering, with the 2026 Yas Zanzibar International Marathon expected to attract more than 10,000 runners and visitors, boosting business for hotels, restaurants, transport operators and other tourism-related enterprises.

The sixth edition of the marathon will be held on September 20, with the official race kit unveiled in Dar es Salaam yesterday as preparations for the event gather pace.

Marketing Director of the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism, Ms Rahma Sanya, said the event was expected to contribute to the island’s growing sports-tourism sector by bringing visitors whose spending would support businesses across the tourism value chain.

“The marathon has grown beyond a sporting competition into a platform for promoting Zanzibar as a tourism destination, combining athletics, healthy living, travel and cultural experiences,” she said.

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The marathon will feature 5km, 10km and 21km races, catering for professional athletes, recreational runners, families and international visitors.

She said runners and accompanying visitors would generate demand for accommodation, food, transport and other tourism services during the event.

Yas Tanzania Brand and Communications Manager, Ms Woinde Shisael said the marathon provided an opportunity for participants to compete while experiencing Zanzibar as a destination.

“When runners put on this kit, we want them to feel that they are part of something special. They are not only coming to run, but also to experience Zanzibar, meet people from different places and be part of an event that brings together sport, health and tourism,” she said.

Yas Tanzania is returning as title sponsor for the fifth consecutive year, with the company saying this year’s race kit reflects the energy and experience participants can expect.

One of the marathon coordinators, Salim Kikeke, said preparations were progressing well, with organisers expecting runners from Tanzania and other countries.

“The unveiling of the kit brings us another step closer to race day. Our focus is to give every runner a memorable experience, from registration to the moment they cross the finish line,” he said.

He encouraged those who had not registered to do so early and prepare for the race.

This year’s event will run under the theme “Kasi Swadakta kwa Viwango,” reflecting the organisers’ ambition to deliver a high-standard race experience while participants remain connected through the Yas network.

The expected influx of participants and visitors is likely to provide a short-term boost to tourism-related businesses while strengthening Zanzibar’s profile as a destination capable of hosting international sporting events.

Beyond the immediate economic activity, the marathon offers Zanzibar an opportunity to diversify its tourism products and attract visitors motivated by sporting experiences alongside the island’s traditional beach and cultural attractions.

For Zanzibar, the growing event demonstrates how sports can complement mainstream tourism by creating new reasons for visitors to travel to the islands and potentially extend their stays and spending.