Tanzania’s distance runners have delivered a strong performance at the Nagai City Marathon in Japan, winning four gold and two silver medals and drawing praise from the country’s athletics federation for raising the national flag on the international stage.
Athletics Tanzania (RT) president Rogath Stephen said the results were a source of pride for the country, urging other athletes preparing for international competitions to emulate the winners through discipline, patriotism and hard work.
Speaking to The Respondent online, Mr Stephen said the athletes had demonstrated their ability to compete successfully abroad, adding that such performances reflected positively on both the federation and Tanzania.
In the men’s 42.195-kilometre marathon, Michael Kishiba won gold after finishing first, while compatriot Charles Boay took silver after placing second.
Tanzania also secured gold in the women’s marathon through Vaileth Kidas, who finished first in the 42.195-kilometre race.
The country continued its success in the 21-kilometre half-marathon, where Fabian Sulle won gold in the men’s category, followed by Joseph Panga, who claimed silver.
Agnes Protas completed Tanzania’s gold-medal tally after winning the women’s half-marathon.
The six medals underline Tanzania’s strength in distance running, a discipline in which the country has produced athletes who compete in road races and major international events.
Mr Stephen said the achievements should motivate other runners undergoing preparations for major competitions to remain committed to their training and represent the country with determination.
He added that success in international events was important not only for individual athletes but also for promoting Tanzania’s name beyond its borders.
The federation’s challenge will now be to build on the results by encouraging more athletes to achieve competitive standards and sustain Tanzania’s presence in international distance running.