The East African Community Logistics Centre (EACLC) has organized a Tanzania-China marathon to commemorate the legacy of Julius Nyerere, Tanzania's first president, in fostering strong relations between Tanzania and China. The event, set to take place on October 14, 2026, aims to promote healthy living, unite Tanzanians and Chinese nationals residing in the country, and raise funds for social services.
The marathon, according to EACLC Chairperson Lisa Wang, is not just about sports and physical health but also an opportunity to pay tribute to Nyerere's role in building and strengthening long-standing ties between Tanzania and China. The event is expected to bring together Tanzanians, Chinese nationals, government institutions, private sector entities, youth, runners, and businesspeople to celebrate friendship, unity, and cooperation between the two nations.
Wang encouraged Tanzanians, Chinese nationals, and others to participate in the marathon with their families, highlighting the event's potential to promote physical activity and celebrate historical ties between the two countries. The marathon will feature routes of 5, 10, and 15 kilometers, with a registration fee of Sh 35,000 for individuals and Sh 32,000 for groups of 10 or more people.
The National Bank of Commerce (NBC) is supporting the event, with its China Desk Head, Linas Kahisha, urging Tanzanians of all ages to participate. The funds raised from the marathon will be used to support social services, making the event beneficial beyond sports and physical exercise.
Juma Suluhu, Secretary General of the China-Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of choosing a route that suits one's physical ability to ensure safe participation. The event's organizers have prepared routes for all three distances, prioritizing participant safety.
Godfrey Mwanakurya, Secretary of the Runners' Club, encouraged those who have not yet registered to do so, assuring that the routes are well-prepared for a safe and enjoyable experience. The marathon presents an opportunity for Tanzanians and Chinese nationals to come together and celebrate their shared history.
The joint Tanzania-China marathon is a testament to the strong bilateral ties between the two nations, with the event serving as a platform to promote unity, cooperation, and people-to-people diplomacy. The event's success is expected to further strengthen the relationship between Tanzania and China.
Key points
- The marathon aims to raise funds for social services while promoting healthy living and unity between Tanzanians and Chinese nationals.
- The event features routes of 5, 10, and 15 kilometers, with varying registration fees for individuals and groups.
- The marathon is a tribute to Julius Nyerere's legacy in fostering strong relations between Tanzania and China.
