Moshi to host Kili Marathon March 2

The Kilimanjaro International Marathon 2008 will be staged on March 2 in Moshi.The organizers of the event said that the Kilimanjaro Marathon helps harness young talents by providing an opportunity to test themselves against top competitors and achieve international qualifying times leading to lucrative international races.

John Cochran, the Director of Marketing of Tanzania Breweries Limited who are the main sponsors of the event, said yesterday that due to intensive marketing campaign through the road shows that will be conducted in Dar es Salaam and Arusha they would expect more local runners next year.

``From the humble 750 runners in 2003 when the race was inaugurated, the numbers of competitors have been gradually growing,`` he said.

He said the race which would be the sixth edition, would attract more than 400 runners from more than 30 countries - UK, USA, Germany and Australia being some of them.

Cochran said there would be also half marathon which would be sponsored by Air Tanzania.

The National Sports Council (NSC) Chairman, Iddi Kipingu, who was the guest of honour at the launching held in Dar es Salaam yesterday, said the race would help local runners acquire more experience.

Andrew Silvin won this year?s men?s race while Banuela Brighton won the women?s title.
The prizes for the winners will be announced later.