ON THE WEB

South Africa to take part in Mount Meru Marathon 2002

More than 2,000 runners to raise dust                   

By Valentine Marc Nkwame and Kassim Kiko

For the first time in the race’s history, South Africa will be taking part in this year’s Mount Meru International Marathon event, to be held in the first week of August.

South Africa, will bring a team of five male runners, to join their fellow athletes from all over the world, who will be jetting into Arusha for the annual 42.2 - kilometre cross country race.

More than 2,000 athletes are expected to take part in this year’s Mount Meru International Marathon, 1,000 of whom will be coming from Arusha region.

There are also going to be about 500 children participants who will cover only five kilometres distance in which the first five are expected to be awarded a total of Tsh.115,000 between them.

The event also incorporates a half marathon race in which the first five runners to finish the 21 kilometres event are set to cash in Tsh.345,000 between them. More than 500 men and women are expected to take part in that race.

Overall a lucrative sum of Tsh.3.13 million is expected to be dished out to the top ten runners who will be the first to cover the 42.155 - km major event.

The route for this year’s race remains the same, starting from Clock Tower junction, down Sokoine road, through Selian estates, then along Dodoma road to Arusha airport and onto Kisongo area, before turning back via same route, then finishing inside the Sheikh Amri Abeid stadium.

Sports men and women who have so far confirmed their participation in the event to be held on Sunday the 4^th of August include world runners team from USA, United Kingdom, Japan, Germany and South Africa.

Others are expected to come from each regions of the Tanzania mainland and Zanzibar Isles plus various African countries. The Kenyan group, is also expected to bring along  last year’s winner.

Sponsors of the event include the South African Mining company, AFGEM, who have contributed Tsh.500,000 and a total of 500 T-shirts for participants.

Global partners from the world runners group have donated US$ 4,000 and an additional Tsh.300,000 for the International marathon.

Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) have contributed  Tsh.1 million. According to the General Secretary of Mount Meru International Marathon, Andrew Muneja, more sponsors are expected to pledge their support.

However, the secretary pointed out that  the organizing committee won’t be responsible for, transport, meals or accommodation for athletes coming from outside Arusha.

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Last modified: July 12, 2002.
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