Rock Marathon attracts athletes from 9 countries

Rock City Half Marathon 2012

Athletes from nine countries have confirmed to compete in the fourth edition of Rock City Half Marathon expected to be staged in Mwanza on October 28.

Grace Sanga of the Capital-Plus International (CPI) entrusted to coordinate the event said invitations have been extended to the entire East Africa and other countries.

She named the countries as Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Australia, India, Canada and United States.

Sanga said there is likelihood of big turn out of athletes owing to the highly improved prize packages for the event that is growing in popularity beyond the borders.

“We expect to have an increased number of foreign participants as contrasted to the previous editions,” she said.

The event, which has five categories for both men and women, has been officially sanctioned by the Athletics Tanzania (AT).

Inaugurated in 2009, the event aims to promote domestic tourism besides harnessing interaction between competitors and officials.

“The marathon starts and finishes at the CCM Kirumba Stadium, passing through a specially designed route within Mwanza City.

The organisers have also included an entertainment bash to spice up the event as Bongo Flava artistes in the likes of Juma Nature are lined up to perform.

Proceeds from the registration fees to be paid by participants will be channelled to support people with disability residing in Mwanza.