Tanzania runners to compete in International events

Dar Salaam. Athletics Tanzania (AT) has confirmed to feature in three international competitions scheduled to take place next year in various countries.

The competitions include World Cross Country championships scheduled to be held in Aarhus, Denmark on March 30, All African Games are scheduled to be held in Casablanca Morocco in August 23 to September 3 and World Marathon is scheduled to be held in Qatar from September 28 to October 6.

AT Secretary General, Wilhelm Gidabuday said yesterday that the three competitions will give them directions ahead of Tokyo’s 2020 Olympic Games.

Gidabuday said their target is to win medals in all competitions and runners secure qualifying marks.

He said already they have three permanent Olympic Games camps whereby runners are preparing for both competitions.

“We have Mbulu camp in Manyara Region and another in Arusha Region. The two camps are under sponsorship of MultiChoice Tanzania (DStv) and Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA), the runners will train till the 2020,” said Gidabuday.

He explained that they have already scouted runners who are ready to represent the nation ahead of all the international competitions while promoting our tourists attractions.

“We have athletes from National Services, Police, and Tanzania People’s Defence Force. We have also qualified coaches who are ready to offer their tactics to our runners,” he said. Gidabuday also said within two years, they have attained the highest development in the game while the runners winning various international honors. “Alphonce Simbu finished fifth in the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games and later won third position in London Marathon to bring home silver medal. Youth runner, Francis Damiano managed to win bronze medal in Youths Commonwealth Games held in Bahamas. We have many runners to make the country proud,” he said.