Tanzania: 10,000 Enter Rotary Dar Marathon 2014

THE Rotary Dar Marathon 2014 will take place in Dar es Salaam next week with about 10,000 runners expected to take part. The marathon, hosted by the six clubs in Dar es Salaam in partnership with Bank M, will take place on Tuesday at the Green on Kenyatta Drive, Oysterbay.

Rotary Dar Marathon Chair Vikash Shah said yesterday retired President Ali Hassan Mwinyi will once again flag off the marathon and walk the 9km.

"Entries are likely to surpass last year's figures and Rotarians are looking forward to welcoming more runners and walkers than ever before," he said.

"The marathon has so far attracted elite runners from Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Malawi due to the increased prize money in both the men and women's categories.

"The Rotary Dar Marathon will also host local competitive runners from the Tanzania People's Defence Forces (TPDF) and Police to sharpen the competitive instincts on the field."

Shah said the participants will compete in four categories this year -- 21.1km, a 21.1km cycling race, 9km and 5km family fun walk.

The event is aimed to empower future leaders through education with funds being raised to refurbish the 400 square metre state-of-the-art Entrepreneurship Resource Centre at the University of Dar es Salaam by providing a 85-thin client computer network with all software and to support disability access.

"Rotarians are delighted with the level of interest the event has attracted this year, but particularly proud of the fact that runners and walkers who have registered are participating to empower future leaders through education to make a difference in our community," Shah added.

On her side, Bank M Deputy CEO, Jacqueline Woiso, said: "Bank M is committed to supporting community based projects with Rotary, as our effort will help future generations of graduates to become entrepreneurs and good leaders which is essential in a developing nation like ours."

Bank M has been the main partner to the event since its inception in 2009. Rotary Dar Marathon Board Chair, Sharmila Bhatt, said: "With the level of participation, the event has indicated that it shall reach its target collection to complete the refurbishment of the Entrepreneurship Resource Centre at the University of Dar es Salaam."

Rotary Dar Marathon thanked all sponsors namely SBC Tanzania, Azam, Clouds Fm, UDSM, KPMG, BG, Soft-Tech, Spice Net Ltd, Security Printers, ALAFco, Ultimate Security, BG Tanzania, Toyota Tanzania and all friends of Rotary.

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