Biteko praises CRDB Marathon organisers as Sh350 million raised

Dar es Salaam. A total of Sh350 million was raised in the fifth edition of the CRDB Marathon held at the Green Grounds in Dar es Salaam. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dotto Biteko, praised the event organizers.

The funds will support children in need of heart surgery at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), healthcare services for pregnant women at risk at the CCBRT hospital, and youth empowerment initiatives.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, Biteko said that CRDB Bank has done a commendable job in staging the event, which not only promotes sports but also supports the community.

 He said the initiative is a wake-up call to marathon organisers across the country to ensure they support communities through various events. “I commend CRDB Bank and other sponsors who joined hands in supporting communities in the country. I call on Tanzanians to be part and parcel of such marathons and contribute to these initiatives. I have been informed that the funds raised will help improve the healthcare sector, assist those in need, and promote community well-being,” said Biteko. He stressed that “Women are the backbone of our nation’s economy as they are also the caretakers of our families, especially our children.

Therefore, by improving the health of women and children, you are strengthening the health of the nation.”

He explained that the government and Tanzanians recognize the efforts made by CRDB Bank, through the CRDB Bank Foundation, in organizing the marathon with a purpose.

Minister of Arts, Culture, and Sports, Damas Ndumbaro, noted that the CRDB Bank Marathon has significantly contributed to promoting a culture of sports in the country. Ndumbaro said that the marathon has become an important platform for athletes in the country to showcase their talents on the international stage. “The race is registered by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and World Athletics. So this is a very important race in the country for promoting our athletes as well as supporting communities,” said Ndumbaro. CRDB Bank Managing Director, Abdulmajid Nsekela, said that of the funds raised, Sh100 million would go towards supporting children in need of heart surgery at JKCI, while another Sh100 million would support healthcare services for pregnant women at risk at CCBRT hospital.

The remaining Sh150 million would be allocated to youth empowerment. Meanwhile, Chairman of the CRDB Bank Foundation Board, Martin Warioba, said the marathon attracted over 8,000 participants, with a total of Sh98.7 million awarded to the 60 different winners across various categories such as the 42km, 21km, 10km, and 5km races, and the 65km cycling race.

Warioba also mentioned that the goal for next year is to have 10, 000 participants in Tanzania, with a target of 3, 000 participants each from Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In the marathon, Kenya’s Joyloyce Kemuma won the 42km women’s race, while in the men’s category, Kenyan Moses Nengichi emerged victorious.

In the 21km race, Tanzania’s Sara Ramadhan won the women’s category, while Joseph Panga triumphed in the men’s category.

In the 10km race, Hamida Nasoro from Tanzania won in the women’s category, and fellow Tanzanian Mao Hindo Ako won in the men’s category.

In the bicycle race, Paul Lumoria won, followed by Richard Laizer and Joseph Thuku, while Jamila Abdallah won the women’s category, followed by Monica Jelimo and Julia Miringu.