The sixth edition of the Yas Zanzibar International Marathon took place at Maisara Grounds in Zanzibar on September 20, 2026. Kenyan runners showcased their dominance in the 21km race, with Justus Nyesya, Ransisi Kamito, and Simon Kelenzyo securing the top three positions in the men's category. In the women's category, Valentine Chep and Rael Mitieka from Kenya claimed the first and second spots, while Tanzanian athlete Failuna Abdi finished third.
In contrast, Tanzanian runners excelled in the 10km race, with Shedrak Damas taking the top spot in the men's category, followed by Boay Maganga in second place. Kenya's Duncan Kipchumba completed the podium in third. The women's 10km race saw Faith Jeptum from Kenya emerge victorious, with Tanzanians Anna Dolomong and Dorcas Boniface finishing second and third, respectively.
The Yas Zanzibar International Marathon brought together runners from Tanzania and several other countries, adding an international dimension to the event. The competition featured 21km, 10km, and 5km races, showcasing the diversity of the participants. The event has grown significantly over the past six years, evolving from a running event into a platform for promoting Zanzibar through sport and tourism.
Zanzibar Minister of State in the Office of the Second Vice President, Hamza Hassan Juma, addressed the closing ceremony, congratulating the athletes, organisers, and sponsors for their efforts in growing the event. He highlighted the significance of the competition in promoting Zanzibar as a tourism destination and creating economic opportunities for its people. Juma emphasized the government's commitment to working with the private sector and sports stakeholders to promote events that contribute to tourism and encourage healthy lifestyles.
Yas Tanzania Chief Financial Officer, CPA Innocent Rwetabura, expressed pride in the event's growth and its impact on promoting Zanzibar. He noted that the Yas Zanzibar International Marathon had become an essential platform for showcasing tourism attractions and supporting the blue economy. Rwetabura also highlighted Yas' investments in communications and digital services in Zanzibar, including network coverage that reaches about 99 percent of the island.
Rwetabura further elaborated on Yas' commitment to using technology to unlock opportunities and contribute to Zanzibar's development. The company has invested in fibre infrastructure, with over Sh300 billion spent on fibre infrastructure in partnership with the Zanzibar Information and Communication Technology Infrastructure Agency (ZICTIA). Additionally, Yas has completed over 60 new towers this year, in partnership with the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar and the Universal Communications Service Access Fund (UCSAF).
The sixth edition of the Yas Zanzibar International Marathon concluded with winners in various categories receiving prizes. Organisers and sponsors reiterated their commitment to growing the event and attracting more participants from Tanzania and other countries in future editions. The event has demonstrated its potential to promote Zanzibar and contribute to its economic development.
Key points
- Kenyan runners dominated the 21km race at the Yas Zanzibar International Marathon.
- Tanzanian athletes excelled in the 10km event.
- The event has grown into a platform for promoting Zanzibar through sport and tourism.
