Youths to participate in the Ngorongoro Half Marathon

Runners setting off in a former Ngorongoro half marathon

ARUSHA, Tanzania - The yearly Ngorongoro half marathon, which brings awareness about malaria and direct engagement in fighting the devastating consequences of this preventable disease, is set for April 19.

The seventh edition, “The Race Against Malaria,” is organized by Zara Charity, a not-for-profit organization based in Moshi, nearly 80 kms from Arusha and sponsored by Zara tours, Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA), USAID and Tigo.

Zara Charity has also collaborated with different stakeholders since the marathon inception in 2008 including Tanzania’s ministry of health. The intention is to draw attention before World Malaria Day. The marathon is seen as an opportunity to raise awareness about malaria.

According to one of the races-coordinators, Innocent Augustine from Zara Charity, the Ngorongoro Half Marathon will see runners race from the gates of the Ngorongoro Crater for 21kms to the finish line in Karatu Town.

“This marathon offers a fun way to create awareness of this very serious health issue and we are pleased and honoured this year. Once again individual runners and teams will make their way through one of the beautiful and unique places on earth, from the gates of the Ngorongoro Crater to Karatu town,”said Augustine.

The event is a lead up to the commemoration of the International Malaria Awareness Day set for April 9, in Arusha, with a call for communities to proactively contribute to reducing its spread and ultimately to control the disease.

Malaria is a life-threatening disease which accounts for 1 million to 3 million deaths annually and 3,000 children deaths daily, it remains one of the globe’s leading infectious killers. The majority of its victims are children under the age of five and pregnant women.

The marathon, which has been organized as a campaign against malaria is expected to attract a number of domestic and foreign tourists. It has already registered 35 youth by mid February, 2014. The marathon organizers are planning to mobilize more than 50 corporate racing teams, including organizing a fun run for primary-aged children to participate in the 2.5km run. All races will begin at 8:30am.

“We are very pleased and grateful for the unprecedented cooperation we have received from the organizations we are working with,” said Mr. Innocent Augustine. “We know first-hand the devastating impact that malaria has in Tanzania and that is why we are committed to the fight.”

By Elisha Mayallah, Monday, March 03rd, 2014


SHARE: