Tanzania: Sokoine Marathon to Become International Event

AFTER running for two consecutive years, the annual Sokoine Marathon will now be registered to become one of the international races and be included in the world marathon timetables.

Race coordinator Wilhelm Gidabuday said until now the Sokoine Marathon was being supported by the family of the late Prime Minister, Edward Moringe Sokoine, through his daughter, Namelok, but once the event goes international, it will be able to generate its own running costs.

"We don't want the family to keep funding the race but rather the event should now be supporting the Sokoine Foundation," stated Gidabuday, who hails from Hanang'.

The 2014 Sokoine Marathon which went in-sync with the 30th Anniversary of the late premier's death in Monduli, raced for 10 kilometres.

Fabian Joseph, the 2005 World Half Marathon Champion (held in Edmonton, Canada), won the event and was awarded 500,000/- and a trophy by President Jakaya Kikwete.

Big names dominated the Sokoine Marathon because in second place came Alphonse Felix, who has been chosen to participate in the Commonwealth Games to be held in Glasgow, Scotland next July.

He was awarded a trophy and 400,000/-. Defending champion and current national half marathon record holder, Dickson Marwa, was third and earned 300,000/-.

In the women's category, national marathon title holder Jackeline Sakilu triumphed, beating newcomer but a force to reckon with Natalia Elisante to second place. The women prizes were like those awarded to their male counterparts. 

All trophies were donated by the Parastatal Pension Fund (PPF). Shocking the marathon organizers was Failuna Matanga, a lady who raced her way into third position beating veteran runner Mary Naali, who was expected to be the winner but ended up in fourth position.

Wilbert Constantino topped the category for people with physical disabilities, followed by Shukuru Khalfani in second position and Mathias Jollo, who finished third despite challenges of rains and slippery grounds.
President Kikwete also presented children runners Kibor Jackson, Nawaz Kamoyo and Adelina Audas with trophies, cash prizes and school books.

But the 2014 Sokoine Marathon wasn't all about running; the event also featured long jump which was won by Michael Gwandu, yet another Commonwealth Games candidate, followed by Michael Danford and Kelvin Saidi Muna, who finished second and third respectively.

There was also javelin in which Said Thomas emerged winner followed by Samson Kaura and Julius Daniel.

SOURCE: Daily News (VIA) allfrica.com