Tanzanian marathoner Gabriel Geay has pocketed TZS30 million after powering to third place at the Berlin Marathon in Germany on Sunday, adding another major international podium finish to Tanzania’s athletics record.
Geay clocked 2:03:59 to secure the bronze medal in a closely contested race won by Ethiopia’s Guye Adola in 2:02:50.
Another Ethiopian, Gemechu Diribe, finished second in 2:03:19.
Geay’s performance placed him among the leading finishers in one of the world’s major marathon events and strengthened Tanzania’s representation on the international long-distance running circuit.
Government Chief Spokesperson Gerson Msigwa congratulated Geay, saying the result demonstrated Tanzania’s ability to produce athletes capable of competing at the highest level.
Mr Msigwa said Geay’s performance adds to the country’s growing list of internationally recognised marathoners.
“With these results, Geay joins Alphonce Simbu among the recognised elite male athletes internationally, while Magdalena Chripine represents Tanzania on the women’s side, with all of them in the Ranked Athletes category,” he said.
Geay has become one of Tanzania’s regular representatives in major international long-distance races, competing against some of the world’s leading marathoners.
His Berlin finish comes as Tanzania continues to seek greater international recognition through athletes competing in elite road races and other major athletics events.