Tanzanian long-distance runner Gabriel Geay has emphasized the need for greater investment in athletics training facilities and suitable training environments. He believes that providing athletes with appropriate places to train, particularly for long-distance running, would help strengthen the country’s competitiveness and create better conditions for developing talent. Geay pointed out that distance running required specific training environments, highlighting locations such as Madunga in Manyara Region as important areas for athletes preparing for competition.
Geay’s call for investment comes as Tanzanian distance running continues to gain international recognition, led by himself and fellow marathoner Alphonce Simbu. Their performances have demonstrated the country’s potential on the global stage. Simbu made history at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, winning the men’s marathon gold medal and becoming Tanzania’s first world champion in athletics. This achievement marked a significant milestone for Tanzanian athletics.
Alphonce Simbu has consistently delivered impressive performances, showcasing his standing among the world’s leading marathon runners. In April 2026, he recorded a personal best of 2:02:47 at the Boston Marathon, where he finished second. Previously, Simbu claimed bronze at the 2017 World Championships in London and silver in the men’s marathon at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. His achievements have raised the profile of Tanzanian marathon running.
Gabriel Geay has also maintained a strong presence on the international circuit. In February 2026, he won the Daegu Marathon in South Korea with a time of 2:08:11, edging Ethiopia’s Chimdessa Debele by one second. Geay added another major podium finish in September 2026, taking third place at the Berlin Marathon in 2:03:59. His personal best remains 2:03:00, set at the Valencia Marathon in 2022.
Geay believes that greater recognition of athletics, supported by investment in training facilities and a more conducive environment for athletes, could help Tanzania build on its achievements and compete more consistently at the highest level. He emphasized that creating a conducive environment for athletes and recognizing the importance of athletics would enable Tanzania to go further in the sport.
The need for investment in athletics training facilities is crucial for Tanzanian athletes to reach their full potential. Geay and Simbu’s performances have demonstrated that with the right support and resources, Tanzanian athletes can compete at the highest level. By investing in training facilities and creating a more supportive environment, Tanzania can develop more talented athletes and become a force to be reckoned with in international athletics.
Geay’s call for investment in athletics training facilities is a timely reminder of the importance of supporting athletes. With the right resources and support, Tanzanian athletes can continue to excel on the global stage. Key to this is creating a conducive environment for athletes to train and compete, which will help to develop talent and build on the country’s achievements in athletics.
Key points
- Gabriel Geay calls for greater investment in athletics training facilities to help Tanzanian athletes reach their full potential.
- Alphonce Simbu’s recent performances have raised the profile of Tanzanian marathon running.
- Geay and Simbu’s achievements demonstrate that with the right support and resources, Tanzanian athletes can compete at the highest level.
