ZANZIBAR: MORE than 10,000 local and international runners are expected to take part in the sixth Yas Zanzibar International Marathon, scheduled for September 20.
The target surpasses last year’s participation of 7,000 runners. If achieved, it would represent an increase of 3,000 participants.
During the event launch, Zanzibar’s Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Riziki Pembe Juma, said the marathon has become an important event for promoting sports tourism and healthy lifestyles.
She said the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar would continue working with the private sector to support sporting events that contribute to tourism and economic growth.
“The Yas Zanzibar International Marathon has grown beyond being an athletics competition. It is a platform that showcases Zanzibar to the world, promotes sports tourism, nurtures athletic talent and encourages people to embrace exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle,” she said.
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Yas Tanzania Chief Financial Officer, Innocent Rwetabura, said the company remained committed to using sport to promote healthy living, unite communities and support sports tourism.
He said participation in the marathon had continued to increase, reflecting growing awareness of the importance of physical activity as Tanzania faces rising cases of non-communicable diseases.
Rwetabura noted that the event also creates opportunities for the tourism sector, local businesses and the wider economy as visitor numbers grow. He added that all registrations and payments will be processed digitally through the Mixx by Yas platform.