From Africa Travel Magazine Tanzania-Zanzibar World Edition . Click here for pdf . Scroll for larger text mm

TANZANIA'S KILIMAJARO MARATHON UNLIKE ANY OTHER IN THE WORLD Marathon Attracts more than 3000 Runners from 25 Countries Including Physically Challenged     The 2009 Kilimanjaro Marathon in Moshi, Tanzania on Sunday, March 1, was a dramatic and challenging race unlike any other in the world. Now in its seventh year, the Marathon is sponsored by the Tanzania Tourist Board, Standard Chartered Bank, Kilimanjaro Premium Lager and for the Fun Run, Vodacom. Other sponsors included Kilimanjaro Water, DT Dobie, Good Year, Tanga Cement, Keys Hotels, Wild Frontiers, New Africa Hotel, KK Security and Tanzanite One. The Marathon is the only IAAF and AIMS approved race in Tanzania. Runners, including 64 from the U.S., ranged from serious contenders who train and compete year round to more casual athletes participating for the total uniqueness of the Marathon route and cheering crowds. Also included was a special course for physically challenged participants which produced some of the most dramatic and heartfelt moments in the race. "The race was much more international and inclusive in every way this year," commented John Addison of Wild Frontiers Ltd., the key driving force behind the unique marathon. "Clearly word is getting out in both the serious global running community and also in the circles of physically challenged athletes about what a spectacular marathon this is. We expect numbers to be up substantially next year in all categories, and from even more countries around the world. In fact, the only major change we will make next year will be a redesign of the course for the physically challenged. It will include runs of varying length next time. " Peter Mwenguo, Managing Director, Tanzania Tourist Board, congratulated both the event organizers and the participants on the great success of the 2009 Kilimanjaro Marathon and its contribution to helping put Tanzania on the global map of Sports Tourism. "The increasing popularity of this marathon is helping Tanzania raise its profile as a Sports Tourism destination, a rapidly growing market segment that brings people of all cultures together in a friendly atmosphere sharing that special comraderie found in sports competitions." Under the backdrop of the fabled Kilimanjaro, Africa's largest mountain and the world's highest freestanding mountain, the Marathon is divided into a full race (42.2 km), a half race (21.1 km) and a fun run. In each category, the Marathon course begins at the sports stadium in the town of Moshi, winds into rural villages and farms, veers through uphill paths, plunges into a swatch of forest, and whirls through coffee and banana plantations. At every juncture, African music, meals and entertainment, (including tribal dancers), make the event a wholly unique experience. Group from USA Kathy Loper.of Kathy Loper Events, a California-based tour company specializing in Marathons, brings a group of American runners every year to participate in the Kilimanjaro Marathon. "Many of these runners have participated in marathons around the world, but there is something special about this marathon that continues to draw them back. Its not just the unique and beautiful setting at the foot of Kilimanjaro, or the opportunity to also climb Africa's highest mountain or go on a safari to Tanzania's famous National Parks. It is that special connection with the Tanzanian people, the enthusiasm and excitement of the crowds who greet the runners with music and dancing all along the marathon route" Program for Winners For the first time, the top three male and female Tanzanian winners in both the half and full marathons will be supported financially for one year after the Marathon, during which time they will be trained to meet international standards for future races within and outside of Tanzania. Current winning total prizes for men and women in the full marathon are $12.000 (US$) and for men and women in the half marathon ($6,0000 US$). Donations from sponsors and individuals are being directed to numerous schools and community projects in the town of Moshi. Donations will also be made to Tanzania Athletics for their annual projects in other sports. This year the emphasis will be on support for local schools, as spearheaded by Wild Frontiers Ltd. and the Keys Hotel. ABOUT TANZANIA Tanzania, the largest country in East Africa, is focused on wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism, with approximately 28 % of the land protected by the Government. It boasts 15 National Parks and 32 game reserves. It is the home of the tallest mountain in Africa, the legendary Mt. Kilimanjaro; The Serengeti, named in October, 2006, the New 7th Wonder of the World by USA Today and Good Morning America; the world acclaimed Ngorongoro Crater, often called the 8th Wonder of the World; Olduvai Gorge, the cradle of mankind: the Selous, the world's largest game reserve; Ruaha, now the largest National Park in Africa; the spice islands of Zanzibar; and seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Most important for visitors, the Tanzanian people are warm and friendly, speak English, which together with Kiswahili, are the two official languages; and the country is an oasis of peace and stability with a democratically elected and stable government.   For more information about Tanzania visit www.tanzaniatouristboard.com For more information on the Ngorongoro Crater visit http://www.ngorongorocrater.org For more information on Tanzania National Parks visit http://www.tanzaniaparks.com For more information on Zanzibar visit http://www.zanzibartourism.net For more information on the Tanzania Embassy visit http://www.tanzaniaembassy-us.org For more information on the Marathon visit www.kilimanjaromarathon.com For more information on Wild Frontiers visit www.wildfrontiers.com For more information on Kathy Loper Events visit Kathyloperevents.com/index.com   PHOTOS: Left: Under the backdrop of the fabled Kilimanjaro, Africa's largest mountain and the world's highest freestanding mountain, the 2009 Marathon is divided into a full race (42.2 km), a half race (21.1 km) and a fun run.   Below. Juma Maulia, winner of the tricycle category. (Photo supplied by Wild Frontiers, Ltd.)