KILIMANJARO MARATHON

The start of the Kili fun-run - photo Issah Michuzi

The 9th Kilimanjaro Marathon was held in Moshi on 27th February and included a marathon (with over 300 entrants), a half marathon and a 5km fun-run (with over 2,000 entrants). Kenyan runners dominated the top spots, with Kipkemboi Kipsand and Anna Kamau winning the mens and womens marathon respectively, though Tanzanians Julius Kilimo and Banuelia Brighton came in second place. The medals were presented by Information, Youth, Culture and Sports Minister Emmanuel Nchimbi, who advised Tanzanian runners to use next year’s Kili Marathon as preparation for the London Marathon and Olympics, saying “We want medals from the London Marathon next so please prepare yourself well and don’t let us down.” The minister also noted that he was aware of complaints from sports fans that football was being given top priority, but insisted that was not the case and that the government appreciated all disciplines.

Crowds were entertained by the African Stars band ‘Twanga Pepeta’ and Bongo Flava artists ‘TMK Wanaume Family’ together with Joseph Payne known as ‘Mzungu wa BSS’ after having finished in 2nd place in the TV programme “Bongo Star Search 2010”.

Tanzania was not represented at April’s London Marathon, but Kenyans again dominated with a 1,2,3 in the men’s race and winning first and third places in the women’s race.

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