HISTORY
Where it all began?
Kili
Marathon, to begin with, was simply an idea formed by event organiser Wild
Frontiers in 2002, over a cold Kilimanjaro Lager, of a great way to draw
tourism in to Tanzania – an iconic name and place for a marathon, using sport
and a new marketing idea to attract runners to Tanzania, who would then climb
the mountain, or go on safari after running the race.
Year
one, after generating some marketing on a tiny budget, attracted a mix of a few
‘international’ runners coupled with local interest – and ended up with a field
of about 300 – 400 runners in total who enjoyed the race. Back in
2003, the local interest from villagers was piqued and they came out to see
what was going on in their quiet town so early on a Sunday morning.
Children followed some of the athletes, there were goats on the side of the
roads, part of the course was on dirt, but generally most people went about
their morning activities – like any other Sunday.
We
organised a full 42km and half marathon distance, and a 10 km – and
timekeeping was done manually with stop-watches… it was quite easy with a small
group of runners.
Today,
the roads are brimming full with athletes – shoulder to shoulder at the start –
as they pit for top honours. We now have, in addition to the Full and Half, a
hugely popular Fun Run, and a “ wheel chair / hand cycle race “.
Over
the years, our main sponsor Kilimanjaro Premium Lager, together with other
sponsors have helped us turn this tiny event into a monster – the sponsors have
to claim a large part of the credit for this success. The race serves to test
Tanzania’s upcoming top athletes, with world-class times being posted by
these talented runners – as well as getting close to 9000 runners over various
distances, enjoying the morning out.
As
well as being a great breeding ground for the local talent, the event draws
quality runners from neighboring countries, and from around the world – with up
to 40 nationalities attending the event. Apart from the ‘sports ‘element,
the event has a big payoff in the region, with sponsors building their CSR
around the event, and the economic benefits to the country and the region are
huge. There is also a change of lifestyle across the country, with many more
people taking up running, to keep healthy and socialize. Every true Tanzanian
wants to participate in the “ Kili “ as it is known, and the medals are worn
with pride from Tunduma to Taveta
EVENTS
Situated south of the equator – in Tanzania – at 5 895
metres, this is Africa’s highest mountain and the highest free standing
mountain in the world (as it is not part of a mountain range). Huge
permanent glaciers flow down from the summit, and the sheer presence of this
huge mountain dominates the entire area. An icon in Africa, “Kili“ as she is
affectionately known, is one of the sights every person should see at least
once in his or her life.
Every year, at the end of February/beginning March, such that 2018 will be on 4th of March (04/03/2018), a
standard 42.2 km marathon, a 21.1 km half marathon and a 5 km fun run will be
held in the town of Moshi, Tanzania. This race has been set up to promote the
sport in Tanzania, and has the official backing of the Tanzania Tourist Board,
the Tanzania Amateur Athletics Association, the IAAF, and is registered with
AIMS.
The marathon route leaves Moshi stadium and heads down
towards the town, and then along the main road to Dar es Salaam for
approximately 8-9 km. This section of the route is relatively flat, and there
are plenty of spectators and well-wishers along the road. We turn around
and head back to the town of Moshi, tracking down into the actual town itself
before turning toward the mountain and heading up a long, steady ascent towards
Mweka. The uphill climb is gradual, but with Kilimanjaro towering above
and all the local villagers out to cheer you on, the time passes quickly.
The turnaround point marks approximately 32 km and the last section is a fast
downhill run back toward the stadium. Regular water tables as well as
‘sponging points’ and the odd ‘shower’ keep the runners refreshed and cool
along the entire route.
The route passes through many smallholding farms, villages,
parts of town, banana and coffee plantations and patches of forest, providing
great excitement to the residents who give ample vocal support.
For those running the half marathon, the route also starts at
the Moshi stadium and after a short, flat section, it follows the gradual
uphill route to Mweka as per the full marathon – before turning around at approx
10 km to return to the stadium again. The atmosphere in the stadium is
electric with local bands playing, entertainment, crowds of local enthusiasts
to cheer the runners, and lots of refreshments for sale.
The logistics of the operation are run by the Kilimanjaro
Marathon Club and the members of both the Tanzania Amateur Athletics
Association (TAAA) and the local Kilimanjaro Amateur Athletics Association
(KAAA).
The Kilimanjaro Marathon may also be used as a qualifier for
the Comrades Marathon.