ATHLETIC Tanzania (AT) has on Wednesday announced its recognition on Goba Hills Marathon to be staged early next month in Dar es Salaam.
Organised by Goba Road Runners (GRR) Sports Club, the event will involve both the 42km full marathon and the 21km half marathon.
AT acting Secretary General, Ombeni Zavalla said in Dar es Salaam that the athletics governing body has approved and given a green light to the organisers of the marathon stage it as planned on February 2nd this year.
“As AT, one of our responsibilities is to supervise athletics in the country on behalf of the government and we are happy to see Goba Road Runners (GRR) Sports Club launching their own race which will be staged annually on February 2nd ,” said Zavalla.
She further advised the organisers of the grand race to ensure it meets all the required standards and procedures that include unveiling the prizes for all race categories so as to avoid complaints.
On his part, Ubungo Municipal Sports Officer, Fredrick Kadewele, besides commending the organisers for establishing the race, urged Dar es Salaam residents to take part in the race as sports activities are vital in building a healthy nation.
Kadewele added that the municipal will see there is a conducive environment for the race to take place since they know it is vital in promoting sports in the municipal.
While GRR Sports Club Chairman, Benson Luoga said their club which is recognised by country’s sports authorities, has established the race to promote sports and healthy sportsmanship.
Luoga disclosed that Goba Hills Marathon which has been registered by National Sports Council (NSC) with registration number 61, will involve full marathon 42.2 km race , half marathon 21.2 km , 10 km and 5 km fun races.
He said they will also stage a cycling race covering 42.2 km. Participation fee for 42km full marathon runners and cyclists plus 5 km is 25,000/- while those who will take part in the 21km Half marathon and 10 km will pay 30,000/-.
Winners of the 42-kilometre race for men and women disciplines will pocket 500,000/-, while the runners up will pocket 300,000/- and 200,000/- will go to the second runners up.
The fourth winners will be awarded 100,000/- while 75,000/- will be awarded to the athletes who finish at the fifth position.
The winners of the 21km half marathon will walk away with 400,000/- cash prize, while the runners up will pocket 250,000 and 150,000 will be awarded to the second runners up.
The top prize for the winners of the 10km race in both disciplines will take home 200,000/- each while the runners up will be awarded 150,000 and 100,000/- will go to the third-placed finishers.
Luoga added that there will also be special prizes for people with disabilities for the 21km race whose winner will get 300, 000/- and the runners up will collect 150,000/- while 50,000/- is set for the third finishers.
The Goba Road Runners Club is a sports club registered by NSC with registration certificate number 12420 with the purpose to encourage community to participate in physical exercises.
Goba Hills Marathon is sponsored by Azam TV, Michuzi Blog, FastHub, SGA, Hill Water, Dasani Drinking Water, ZENUFA Pharmaceuticals, Swahili Sweat Shop, Atlas Schools, Galaxy Energy, Red Bull, SDN, Flamingo Entertainment and Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA).
