Ngorongoro half marathon in Arusha

Over 200 domestic athletes are due to participate in the fifth consecutive edition of the Ngorongoro half marathon, taking place in Karatu, near Arusha, on 14 April.

The annual race is being organised by Zara Charity in cooperation with the Tanzania Olympic Committee (TOC) with a view to creating awareness and fighting malaria among the local community.

Organisers have encouraged local residents to join the 230 runners already signed up for the event, including top athletes Zakia Mrisho, Dickson Marwa, Samson Ramadhan and Fabian Joseph, all of whom hope to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics. 

More than 50 corporate racing teams are expected to take part in the marathon and there will be a 2.5km fun run for children, with all races starting at 08.30. 

Dubbed the “Race against Malaria”, the marathon’s route begins at the gates of the Ngorongoro Crater and runs for 21 kms through extensive highlands to the finish line in Karatu.

Located about 115 kms east of Arusha, the town of Karatu is bordered by the Ngorongoro conservation area, known for its countless wild animals as well as the Masaai tribe.