Jerseys launched for Mbeya Tulia Marathon

Dar es Salaam. As the excitement of the Mbeya Tulia Marathon (MTM) heats up, the Tulia Trust and betting firm Betika have unveiled the jerseys that will be used in the seventh edition of the race.

The race will take place on May 10 and 11 at the Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya, featuring runners of full marathon (42 kilometres), half-marathon (21 kilometres) as well as those runners of 10 and five kilometres.

Also, on the list are track races such as 100, 200, 400, and 1500 metres respectively.

Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa will grace the race aimed at raising funds for improving healthcare and education infrastructure in Mbeya Region and the other parts of the country.

Speaking at the jersey launch and announcing Betika as sponsors, Tulia Trust representative Leonard Mwinuka said enthusiasm is high this season with the expectation of over 5,000 participants.

Beside road races (marathon, half-marathon, and five kilometers) to be led by the Prime Minister, he said there will also be track races starting on May 10.

"Preparations are in the final stages and we call upon runners to get ready for the event," he said.

Last year, the company sponsored and boosted enthusiasm by inviting famous long-distance runner Gabriel Geay to compete alongside other athletes in the road race and the 1,500 metres race.

Betika Public Relations Officer Rugambwa Juvenalius said that this season they have boosted enthusiasm, including covering expenses for 460 runners to participate in the race.

"From transportation to accommodation and race expenses, it's upon us; this is to boost enthusiasm and head to Mbeya as champions, in line with our motto, supporting the efforts of the Speaker of the Parliament, Dr Tulia Ackson," he said.

He said that the hype towards the race has already begun, including jogging by some residents of  Mtwara Region to stay fit ahead of featuring in the Mbeya Tulia Marathon this season.

"This jogging was led by the Mayor of Newala Municipality, Hamis Namata, who handed over the Champion flag and the Tulia Trust flag to five individuals who are among those sponsored by Betika to go to Mbeya," he said.

He added that this Saturday, on May 5, 2024 the hype will continue in Dodoma with another jogging event, and those performing well will be handed flags ready to go to Mbeya under the sponsorship of Betika.

According to Rugambwa, the hype will also take place in Morogoro led by the Mayor, then move to Iringa and Rukwa before culminating in Dar es Salaam led by Sports Deputy minister Hamis Mwinjuma (Mwana FA), on May 6, 2024, and all those performing well will join other runners to race in the Mbeya Tulia Marathon.

"May 8, 2024 will be the closing event where there will be a big event in Mbeya, preparing for the seventh season of the race.

Regarding the race, Vice President of Athletics Tanzania (AT) William Kallaghe said it is a unique race in the country that will be pitting marathon runners and track athletes.

"Many participate in marathons, but the Betika Mbeya Tulia Marathon stands out as the only race that gives both marathon and track athletes a chance to compete.

"In the Southern Highlands region, this is a major event, and as AT, we thank the organizers and sponsors for creating this arrangement; by continuing like this, we will broaden the scope and unearth talents in track events," said Kallaghe.