Press Release»

2007 KILIMANJARO MARATHON OFFICIAL LAUNCH

The 2007 Kilimanjaro Marathon was officially launched in Dar es Salaam yesterday to begin preparations for the race set for Moshi on March 4.

Oscar Shelukindo, the Kilimanjaro Premium Lager brand Manager, whose brand is sponsoring the event for the fifth consecutive year, said more than 500 athletes are expected to take part.

He said 10m/- will be offered in prizes to the winners. "This year's event is expected to be a bigger and better race compared to the past events because of great interest shown from Kenya where we anticipate a record of 500 entries," he said.

He said that both Uganda and Rwanda have promised to send top athletes and a good contingent was expected to represent South Africa. He said the race would also face a stiff challenge from the male and female winners of the Victoria Falls Marathon held in September in Zimbabwe.

Interests have also been sparkled with runners from over 25 countries expressing interest to take part. The Chairman of the National Sports Council (NSC), Idd Kipungu, who officiated at the official launching, paid a glowing tribute to the organisers and sponsors of the event for the job well done.

"Kilimanjaro marathon has remained a unique event to harness young talents and provide them with opportunity to compete with top runners in the world," he said.

Celtel Tanzania has retained its sponsorship of the 5kilometres fun race. The event is organised by Wild frontiers of South Africa in conjunction with Executive Solutions and the Athletic Tanzania (AT), whose Secretary General Sulaimani Nyambui vowed to ensure standards are maintained.

Kenya's Daniel Kipnietich Ritch who timed at 02:18:32 won the race last year, while Musa Kanda (02:19:18) and John Tubei (02:19:20) settled for second and third positions respectively. In the ladies category Kenya's Magreth Kiplagat clocked 02:58:37 to win the race, as Tanzanian Farida Gussa finished second timing at 02:59:26.