The Athletics Team of the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (JWTZ), based in Arusha, delivered an outstanding performance after winning a total of 16 medals at the Betika Mbeya Tulia Marathon held over the weekend in Mbeya.
The annual competition attracted strong participation from various teams across the country, with athletes competing in highly competitive races that continue to raise the standard of athletics in Tanzania.
Upon returning to Arusha after the event, the team expressed satisfaction with the results, describing the performance as a reflection of disciplined preparation and teamwork.
Speaking to The Respondent Online, the Head Coach of the team, Amani Ngoka, said the athletes secured eight gold medals, four silver medals, and four bronze medals, making it one of their strong performances in recent competitions.
Ngoka attributed the success to discipline, commitment, and strict adherence to training programmes during preparations for the marathon.
“This year’s competition was very tough. All teams came well prepared, and the level of competition was extremely high,” said Ngoka.
He added that the team performed particularly well in the sprint events, including the 100 metres, 200 metres, and 400 metres, where several emerging athletes managed to win gold medals.
According to him, the results highlight the growing depth of talent within the squad, especially as younger athletes continue to step up and deliver strong performances alongside experienced runners.
Ngoka further noted that the achievements have boosted the team’s confidence and morale as they prepare for upcoming national and international athletics competitions scheduled for later this year.
He said the technical bench will continue refining training strategies and strengthening talent development programmes to sustain the team’s competitiveness.
He also praised the organisers of the Tulia Marathon for consistently improving the event, noting that it has become one of the most important platforms for identifying and nurturing athletics talent in the country.
“The marathon continues to grow every year, and it provides a strong competitive environment that helps athletes test their abilities and improve performance,” he added.
The team, representing the Jeshi la Wananchi Tanzania (JWTZ), reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high performance standards and contributing to the development of athletics in Tanzania at both national and international levels.
