FROM SUKHDEV CHHATBAR IN MOSHI
Kenya and Tanzania once again went stride for stride at the 2026 Kilimanjaro Marathon delivering a brilliant showcase of East Africa’s distance-running pedigree.
Kenyan athletes took firm control of the full marathon, sweeping the top positions in the 42-kilometre race. Winner William Morwabe set the pace early and held on to secure victory in 02:18:52, ahead of fellow Kenyan Letanto Stephen, who clocked 02:19:21 while Tanzania’s Charles Sulle finished a close third in 02:19:31.
“It was a tough race, but I stayed focused from the start,” Morwabe said after crossing the finish line. “Kilimanjaro is always special and I’m proud to win here.”
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In the women’s full marathon, Kenya’s Alice Kamunya led from the front to secure victory in 02:50:33 with Tanzania’s upcoming stars Angel John and Neema Sanka finishing second and third in 02:58:19 and 03:03:13 respectively.
“I gave everything today,” Kamunya said. “The support from the crowd kept me going and I’m happy with the result.”
The tide turned in the half marathon where Tanzania’s runners rose to the occasion in front of a home crowd. Mayko Geay produced a commanding performance to win the men’s 21-kilometre race in 01:04:10, finishing ahead of compatriot Josephat Gisemo (01:04:12) while Kenya’s James Mwangu came in third in 01:04:16.
“We knew we had to defend our home ground,” Geay said. “The competition was strong but we pushed each other all the way.”
Tanzania also dominated the women’s half-marathon, with rising star Hamida Mussa taking top spot in 01:12:45, followed by countrymate Failuna Matanga in 01:13:02. Kenya’s Veronica Wanjiku settled for a close third in 01:15:00.
The chief guest, Minister for Information, Sports, Culture and Arts, Paul Makonda, commended the organisers for launching the Kilimanjaro Marathon some 24 years ago, noting that it has now gained international recognition, including the International Athletics Federation.
He also assured the government’s full commitment to promoting the race locally and internationally.
The minister further told the large crowd that President Samia Suluhu Hassan will participate in next year’s marathon during its 25th edition.
Race organisers praised the high level of competition and the turnout of about 12,000 runners from 68 countries, despite difficult weather conditions.
“This year’s marathon has shown the strength of athletics in our region,” one official said. “The rivalry between Kenya and Tanzania continues to raise the standard of the sport.”
The marathon also saw some of Tanzania’s greatest athletes, including Alphonce Simbu, current world marathon champion; Filbert Bayi, a 1970s legend and world record holder in the 1500m and Suleiman Nyambui, the 1980 Olympic silver medallist in the 5000m, coming together in sharing their experience in the organisation of the event.
Kilimanjaro Premium Lager was the main sponsor of the 42km full marathon, while YAS sponsored the 21km half marathon and CRDB Bank backed the 5km fun run.
Official supporting sponsors were Kilimanjaro Water (Bonite Bottlers) and TPC Sugar, while official partners included GardaWorld Security, Toyota Tanzania, Columbia Sportswear, Simba Cement, Harleys Healthcare Solutions and ALAF Limited.
Official race suppliers were Salinero Hotel, Kibo Palace Hotel Arusha and Keys Hotel Moshi.
The event was organised by Kilimanjaro Marathon Company Limited, while Wild Frontiers Events was responsible for inbound travel and international marketing.
