Africa-Press – Tanzania. TANZANIAN marathon icon Alphonce Simbu has once again validated his standing among the world’s elite, clinching a hardfought bronze medal at the prestigious Burj2Burj Half Marathon in Dubai on Saturday.
In one of the most competitive fields assembled this year, Simbu delivered a masterclass in tactical discipline.
He crossed the line in a blistering 59 minutes and 30 seconds, finishing just four seconds behind the winner in a pulse-pounding finale that saw the top three runners separated by a mere heartbeat.
The fast and scenic Dubai course lived up to its reputation as one of the most competitive half marathons on the international calendar, producing a thrilling finish decided by the narrowest of margins.
Uganda’s Olympic champion Joshua Cheptegei stormed to victory in 59:26, edging Kenya’s Nicholas Kipkorir by just two seconds (59:28), while Simbu followed closely behind, only four seconds off the winner.
Throughout the race, Simbu remained firmly in contention with the leading pack, showcasing tactical discipline, endurance and remarkable composure in the closing stages to secure his place on the podium.
His performance stood out not only for the time recorded but also for the depth and intensity of the competition.
Athletics Tanzania (AT) was quick to applaud Simbu’s achievement, describing the result as a testament to his hard work, consistency and rising stature on the global athletics stage.
In a statement, the federation praised his resilience and ability to compete toe-totoe with elite athletes from traditional distance-running powerhouses.
Simbu’s podium finish further cements his status as one of Tanzania’s most reliable performers in international road races and reflects the steady growth of Tanzanian athletics beyond the track.
His success in Dubai serves as a significant confidence boost as he sets his sights on upcoming global competitions, while continuing to enhance Tanzania’s reputation in longdistance running worldwide.
