The government has called on sponsors and stakeholders to ensure that business opportunities are created for small and large traders during the upcoming Pre-Betika Tulia Marathon, scheduled for May 15–16 this year at Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya.
The initiative is expected to strengthen youth participation in economic activities while promoting sports tourism in the region.
The call was made on April 25, 2026, by Mbeya District Administrative Secretary Mohamed Azizi, speaking on behalf of Mbeya Regional Commissioner Beno Malisa, during the official opening of the Pre-Betika Mbeya Tulia Marathon 2026 preparatory activities.
Azizi said the marathon should be used as a practical platform to empower young people economically by creating organized business spaces for vendors before and during the event.
He noted that a large number of participants and spectators are young people, who should be given meaningful opportunities to benefit from the event instead of remaining unemployed or idle.
“Most of the participants are young people. This is a major opportunity for them to engage in business activities and earn income. The marathon should not only be about running, but also about improving livelihoods,” Azizi said.
He directed organizers to ensure that properly arranged business stalls are set up both inside and outside the stadium ahead of the marathon days to allow full participation of traders and entrepreneurs.
Azizi further encouraged stakeholders to engage institutions that support youth employment and skills development, noting that the government under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan has expanded opportunities for self-employment through vocational training and entrepreneurship programs.
He said young people should take advantage of these opportunities instead of relying only on formal government employment.
“Employment is not only about working in government offices. Self-employment and skills-based work are equally important in building personal and national development,” he added.
Azizi also emphasized that the Pre-Betika Tulia Marathon is an important platform for promoting Mbeya Region’s tourism, culture, and investment potential, especially as it attracts both local and international visitors.
He said the government is working closely with Tulia Trust to ensure the success of the event, which has grown into a major annual platform that combines sports, business, and community development.
The marathon is expected to attract athletes and visitors from different countries, creating strong opportunities for local businesses, including food vendors, transport operators, and small traders.
Pre-Betika Tulia Marathon Sports Coordinator from Tulia Trust, Lugano Mwangosi, said the event, now in its tenth season, continues to deliver significant social and economic benefits to the people of Mbeya.
He said the marathon not only develops sports talent but also strengthens community engagement and economic activity across different sectors.
Mwangosi added that this year’s edition will include fun races such as sack races and spoon-and-egg races, designed to encourage wider community participation while identifying winners who will proceed to the main Betika Tulia Marathon scheduled for May 15–16.
He further said that funds raised during the event will be used to improve health and education services in Mbeya Region, ensuring that the marathon directly contributes to community development.
“The purpose of this marathon is not only competition, but also supporting development projects in health and education for the benefit of local communities,” Mwangosi said.
Mbeya Regional Sports Officer Robert Mfugale said Tulia Trust has been actively supporting vulnerable groups by providing assistance in health insurance, education, and housing for disadvantaged families.
He said the marathon has played a key role in promoting Mbeya internationally, attracting athletes from countries such as Kenya and Uganda.
Mfugale added that the event continues to enhance the region’s visibility and has strong potential to grow into a major international marathon, further boosting sports tourism in Tanzania.
He called on residents to maintain peace, discipline, and hospitality as the region prepares to host a large number of guests during the event.
The Pre-Betika Tulia Marathon is increasingly being recognized as more than just a sports competition, but a development platform that brings together youth empowerment, business growth, social support, and regional promotion.
With rising participation from both local and international athletes, the event is expected to continue contributing to Mbeya’s economic growth and strengthen its position as a key sports and investment destination in Tanzania.
