ZANZIBAR: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to launch the 2026 Kizimkazi Marathon on December 19, with organisers seeking to prepare Tanzanians to turn business and employment opportunities linked to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) into tangible economic gains.
The event, to be held in Kizimkazi, South Unguja, will run under a theme ‘AFCON is an Opportunity for Us Tanzanians—Let Us Make Use of It’.
Speaking to journalists at Salam Cave Hotel in Kizimkazi, Marathon Information and Communication Committee Chairperson, Mahfud Said Omar, said the initiative aims to raise awareness of benefits Tanzania could derive from cohosting the continental football showpiece.
He said AFCON 2027 presents opportunities in tourism, investment, trade, industry and employment, urging Tanzanians to prepare to tap and benefit from the expected influx of visitors and business stakeholders.
“Our aim is to ensure that Tanzanians understand the opportunities available through AFCON and get prepared to use them to grow their own incomes and the national economy,” he said.
The marathon will feature 5km, 10km and 21km races for men and women, with online registration scheduled to open on October 16.
In the 21km race, the winner will receive 4m/-, the runner-up 3m/- and the third-placed finisher 2m/-. Fourth and fifth place will each earn 800,000/-.
For the 10km race, the winner will pocket 2.5m/-, the runner-up 2m/- and the third-placed finisher 1.5m/-, while fourth and fifth place will each receive 300,000/-.
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Proceeds are also expected to support construction of offices for Vijana Nguvu Kazi that will house a broadcasting centre for Kizimkazi Radio.
Marathon Secretary General, Abusufian Yakuti Juma, said the 21km race would start at Mtende in Makunduchi and finish at the Kizimkazi Development Office.
The 10km route will pass through Pale Kilimani, while the 5km race will head towards Kizimkazi Mosque before returning to the starting point.
Marathon Chairperson, Saleh Shaaban Kassim, said organisers intended to make the event an annual fixture every December 19.
Through the initiative, organisers hope to encourage residents to prepare early for AFCON 2027 and identify practical ways to convert the tournament’s anticipated economic activity into income, jobs and sustainable business opportunities.