The annual Charitable Dyslexia Race is returning to Arusha for its third running season, with this year's event themed 'Run for Literacy.' Scheduled for October 25, 2026, the marathon aims to bring together over 1,000 athletes and various children from schools around the region. The event will start and finish at the Ngarenaro Sports Complex in Arusha. Organized by Dyslexia Tanzania, the marathon serves as a platform to engage children, parents, and the community in supporting those suffering from dyslexia.
Dyslexia Tanzania, led by founder Caudence Ayoti, has been working to raise awareness about dyslexia in Tanzania. According to Ayoti, dyslexic children are not slow learners but have special skills that may not be expressed through normal education environments. She cited examples of successful individuals with dyslexia, such as Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple and iPhone. The organization has previously held talent shows for children with dyslexia to display their talents.
The 2026 Dyslexia Awareness Run is expected to be the largest yet, with event coordinator James Christopher anticipating over 1,500 runners. In the first season, held in 2024, more than 600 participants took part, while in 2025, nearly 1,000 runners registered. This year's event will include additional activities such as games, seminars, and workshops on dyslexia. The event will feature 2.5 km, 5 km, and 10 km runs, making it more inclusive for participants.
The organizers plan to extend the Dyslexia Marathon to other regions across Tanzania. In 2025, they started with Dodoma, and this year, they aim to make the Arusha event a springboard for nationwide expansion from 2027 onwards. According to Dyslexia Tanzania, at least 20% of the global population is dyslexic, which may also apply to Tanzania. This means that 1 in 5 people in the country could be dyslexic.
Dyslexia often affects children during learning sessions in class, but in reality, dyslexic pupils have a differently wired form of learning and are often geniuses. However, the society does not understand the condition, as it is a new concept in Tanzania and Africa. Claude, a representative of Dyslexia Tanzania, emphasized that while dyslexia is well-known in the US and Europe, Tanzania and Africa must now start learning about the condition.
The Dyslexia Marathon has become an essential platform for raising community awareness about dyslexia. The event provides an opportunity for children and parents to learn about the condition and how to support those affected. With the inclusion of workshops and seminars, the 2026 event aims to educate participants and the broader community about dyslexia.
As the 2026 Charitable Dyslexia Race approaches, the organizers are working to make it a memorable and impactful event. With a higher target of 1,500 runners and additional activities, this year's event promises to be the most successful yet. The marathon will not only promote physical activity but also raise awareness about dyslexia and support those affected by the condition.
Key points
- The 2026 Charitable Dyslexia Race aims to attract over 1,500 runners and raise awareness about dyslexia in Tanzania.
- The event will feature 2.5 km, 5 km, and 10 km runs, making it more inclusive for participants.
- The organizers plan to extend the Dyslexia Marathon to other regions across Tanzania, starting with nationwide expansion from 2027 onwards.
