CRDB Bank Marathon Burundi raises Sh112 million as Tanzanian wins

Bujumbura. Once again, the CRDB Bank Marathon has made another history by being held for the first time in Burundi, raising a total of 120 million Burundian Francs (Sh112 million).

The marathon saw the participation of 1500 runners from various countries and the raised funds will be used to support to the victims of the floods that affected the Lake Tanganyika area earlier this year.

The event was graced by the Minister of East African Community, Youth, Sports, and Culture of Burundi, Gervais Abayeho, who served as the guest of honor, accompanied by the Bujumbura Mayor, Jimmy Hatungimana, and other government officials from Burundi.

Also in attendance were the Tanzanian Ambassador to Burundi, Gelasius Byakanwa, and senior officials from CRDB Bank, led by board chairman of the CRDB Bank Burundi, Hosea Kashimba, and the Acting Managing Director of the bank, Bruce Mwile.

Speaking during the event, Abayeho praised CRDB Bank for bringing together the people of Burundi and neighboring countries to support flood victims.

“Your dedication is an excellent example for all of us. This collaboration demonstrates how much we can achieve when we stand together. Congratulations to CRDB Bank and the CRDB Bank Foundation for your efforts to assist those affected,” said Abayeho.

The Minister stressed that the marathon aligns directly with Burundi’s 2040-2060 Vision, which aims to create a peaceful, competitive economy that is environmentally conscious, gender-equitable.

For his part, Kashimba explained that the marathon is part of the bank’s strategy to support government efforts to enhance well-being in Burundi. He added that since CRDB Bank began its operations in Burundi 12 years ago, it has focused on improving the economic and social welfare of the people. “We have successfully improved the lives of millions of Burundians, and we continue to fulfill our mission through these races,” said Kashimba.

Meanwhile, CRDB Bank Burundi Deputy Managing Director Médiateur Muhire thanked the marathon partners, including insurance companies BIC, Serenity, and UCAR, water companies Vitalo and Kinju, UMUCO Microfinance, Kazoza Finance, UCAR VIE, SOCAR VIE, Rotary Club Bujumbura, and The Fitness Factory.

“We are deeply grateful to our partners and all the runners who joined us in spreading smiles to the affected children,” said Muhire.

The Bujumbura race is the second of three scheduled to take place this year in the DR Congo, Burundi, and Tanzania.

In other development, CRDB Bank Foundation Board Chairman Martin Warioba expressed his delight at the positive reception of the marathon in Burundi and encouraged people to turn out in large numbers for the race on August 18 in Tanzania’s race to be held in Dar es Salaam.

Warioba said the CRDB Bank Foundation's plan to expand its activities in Burundi, aiming to promote financial, economic, and social inclusion, especially for women and youth, through its IMBEJU program.The event saw Imelda Mfungo from Chato Tanzania emerging the winner in the 10 kilometres race.

“I am very happy to win the race that aim to support the societies. Every step I took was to spread smiles to those who suffered this disaster. I highly commend CRDB Bank for these exceptional efforts,” said Imelda.