Tanzanian athletes delivered a remarkable performance on home soil at the 2026 Yas Kili International Half Marathon, a 21-kilometre race held as part of the Kili International Marathon, one of Africa’s premier annual sporting events.
Congratulating the participants over the weekend, the Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Paul Makonda, said this year’s edition highlighted the growing strength and capability of Tanzanian athletes.
“What we witnessed in Moshi today goes beyond competition; it reflects dedication, patriotism, and the remarkable talent Tanzanians bring to the track. Our athletes are proving they can compete and succeed at the highest levels,” Minister Makonda said.
He also conveyed a message from President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who pledged to officiate the marathon next year and increase the winners’ prize by TZS 100 million.
“The Yas Kili International Half Marathon continues to unite people, promote tourism, and energise the country’s sporting culture,” the minister added.
YAS Tanzania Chief Executive Officer, Pierre Canton Bacara, said the competitive standard in the 21.1-kilometre race demonstrates both the strength of local athletics and the enthusiasm the event inspires across the country.
He emphasised that YAS’s more than 12-year sponsorship of the marathon reflects the company’s long-term commitment to sports development.
This year’s theme, “Every Corner, Every Step – Faster,” aligns with YAS’s efforts to expand 4G and 5G connectivity across Tanzania.
“For the third consecutive year, we have been recognised by Ookla as the fastest mobile network in Tanzania. We continue to invest in infrastructure to ensure every Tanzanian can access reliable connectivity—for business, education, agriculture, and celebrating achievements like today’s marathon,” Bacara said.
On environmental sustainability, Bacara reaffirmed YAS’s commitment to the Yas Green for Kili initiative, launched in 2021 to protect and restore natural habitats around Mount Kilimanjaro.
He said the company is planting more than 50,000 trees this year, with 3,000 seedlings planted in the Njoro area just yesterday.
Nurdin Babu, the Regional Commissioner of Kilimanjaro, commended YAS for its partnership with the local community, noting that the marathon has become a catalyst for tourism, commerce, and broader social development in the region.
The 2026 Yas Kili International Half Marathon attracted thousands of participants, with Tanzanian athletes dominating several key categories and delivering performances that captivated the crowd and reinforced national pride.
Overall Winners – 21km Half Marathon
Men's top three are including; Michael Geay (TZ) – 1:04:10, Josephat Joshua Gisumo (TZ) – 1:04:14 and James Kairiuki (KE) – 1:04:30. Other winners are Sule Elisante (TZ), Benard Kiplagat (KE), Dickson Paul (TZ), Robert Makenzi (TZ) Joshua Amos (TZ) and Boniphace Mwangi (KE).
Women are: Hamida Musa (TZ), Failuna Matanga (TZ), Veronika Wanjiku (KE), Florence Wachira (KE), Irene Mkungu (TZ), Tunu Andrew (TZ), Leah Bek (Germany), Leah Abeid (Germany), Everlyne Roytich (UG) and Anisa Badalo (TZ)
The event underscored the growing prominence of Tanzanian athletes on both the regional and international stage, while highlighting the broader economic, environmental, and social benefits associated with the marathon.
