Tanzania: Uhuru Marathon Set for Dec 7

By Frank Kimaro

THE second edition of Uhuru Marathon is set for December 7, this year, in Dar es Salaam. Speaking at the launch of the marathon in the city on Tuesday, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Youth, Culture and Sports, Prof. Elisante Ole Gabriel, said the event is organized for a good purpose to promote peace and unity and it deserves the support of the society.



"The main aim of Uhuru Marathon is to emphasize on the importance of peace and that's why the ministry fully supports it," he said. "Another important thing about the marathon is that it gives weight to our independence," he added.

He said the runners will compete in a full Marathon (42km), Half Marathon (21 km), 5km fun run and 3km for leaders. Ole Gabriel urged the public and companies to invest in activities that have good intentions to the country's future.

Athletic Tanzania (AT) Deputy Secretary General, Ombeni Zavara, said they are committed to ensure this year's Uhuru Marathon takes part as planned. She, however, called on the organizers to record everything that happens in the race.

"We, as AT, we are committed to make sure this race takes place and we the organizers to keep records," she said. The annual Uhuru Marathon organiser, Innocent Melleck, insisted that this year's race focuses on peace and unity.

"We believe we have one Tanzania and, through the Uhuru Marathon, national unity will be cemented to serve as a model to the world," he said.

Melleck thanked the government, through the Ministry of Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, for the full support that has encouraged the organizers to stage the race for the second consecutive year.

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