Kenyan athletes dominated the 21km races at the Yas Zanzibar International Marathon 2026, while Tanzanians put up a strong showing in the 10km category as the sixth edition of the event concluded at Maisara Grounds on September 20.
Kenya made a clean sweep of the men’s 21km podium, with Justus Nyesya taking the title ahead of compatriots Ransisi Kamito and Simon Kelenzyo, who finished second and third respectively.
In the women’s 21km race, Kenya’s Valentine Chep claimed top honours, followed by compatriot Rael Mitieka, while Tanzania’s Failuna Abdi settled for third place.
Tanzanian athletes, however, turned the tables in the men’s 10km race, with Shedrak Damas emerging winner ahead of fellow Tanzanian Boay Maganga. Kenya’s Duncan Kipchumba finished third.
In the women’s 10km race, Kenya’s Faith Jeptum took first place, while Tanzanians Anna Dolomong and Dorcas Boniface finished second and third respectively.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Zanzibar Minister of State in the Second Vice President’s Office, Hamza Hassan Juma, who represented Second Vice President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, said the marathon has helped to promote both sports and tourism in the Isles.
“This competition makes an important contribution to the development of sports and the promotion of Zanzibar as a key tourism destination, while creating opportunities in the hospitality, transport, trade and other service sectors,” he said.
Yas Tanzania Chief Financial Officer, CPA Innocent Rwetabura, said the marathon had, over the past six years, grown into a platform for promoting healthy lifestyles, tourism and Zanzibar’s blue economy.
He said Yas has continued to expand its investment in Zanzibar, with its network now covering about 99 percent of the Isles.
According to him, more than 60 new towers have been completed this year in partnership with the government and UCSAF, while Yas Fiber has entered into an agreement with ZICTIA involving an investment of more than Sh300 billion in fibre infrastructure.
Rwetabura said Mixx has also expanded its digital financial services in Zanzibar, including facilitating registration and payments for the marathon, supporting farmers through its partnership with ZSTC and enabling digital fare payments through ZanBus.
He said recent partnerships with ZANGOF and the Zanzibar Maisha Bora Foundation (ZMBF) are also aimed at extending digital services to different groups, including seaweed farmers.
Yas has also supported social initiatives in the Isles, including providing free internet connectivity to more than 50 public schools, supporting eye-care camps and implementing the Tumaini Campaign, which focuses on maternal and child healthcare.
The marathon featured 5km, 10km and 21km races, attracting athletes from Tanzania and other countries.