Meru Forest adventure race boosts tourism and wellness
Athletes compete in the third edition of the Meru Forest Adventure Race in Arusha, with over 1,500 participants from Tanzania and neighboring countries testing their endurance on the scenic forest trails. PHOTO | COURTESY
The thrilling event, staged in the scenic Meru Forest plantations, was jointly organized by the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) and Quality Sports Promotion
Arusha. The third edition of the Meru Forest Adventure Race concluded yesterday in Arusha, attracting more than 1,500 participants from across Tanzania and neighboring countries.
The thrilling event, staged in the scenic Meru Forest plantations, was jointly organized by the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) and Quality Sports Promotion.
Since its inception, the race has steadily grown in popularity, designed not only to highlight the ecotourism potential of the Meru Usa Forest but also to promote a culture of healthy outdoor sporting activities.
According to Exavery Chuwa of Quality Sports Promotion, this year’s edition drew athletes from every region of Tanzania as well as international participants from Kenya, the Netherlands, and the United States.
“Competitors took part in 20km, 10km, and 5km races, alongside cycling and motorbike contests,” Chuwa said. “This year we introduced something unique—the Obstacle Race—which challenged participants with both natural and manmade barriers along the trail.”
He added that the obstacle race concept, which originated in the United States and was coordinated by international experts, quickly captured the imagination of local and foreign participants alike.
Highlighting the broader objective, TFS conservation officer Yusuph Tango said the initiative was designed to showcase the forest’s hidden treasures, which include waterfalls, meditation sites, sacred natural areas, and bird-rich habitats that promote mental wellness.
“With the theme ‘Go Green and Explore Life in Nature’, we want to emphasize the forest’s role in ecotourism, wellness, and conservation,” said Tango. “By developing new tourism products from the forest, we aim to contribute to Tanzania’s ambition of expanding tourism revenues.”
Tanzania has already recorded a milestone of 5.3 million tourists, generating more than USD 4 billion, and has set an ambitious target of USD 5 billion by the end of 2025.
Arumeru District Commissioner Mwinyi Ahmed Mwinyi praised the organizers, noting that the adventure race will play a crucial role in boosting both tourism arrivals and revenue. “Many people don’t know about attractions such as the Napuru waterfalls or the tranquil natural sites hidden in this forest,” he said.
“Events like this not only bring visitors here but also encourage them to return with their families and share the experience with others.” Mwinyi further encouraged other organizers to consider hosting sporting events in the Meru plantations as part of wider efforts to promote nature-based tourism.
