Since 2019, CMC has been a proud and committed sponsor of the Kilimanjaro International Marathon, a significant sporting event in Africa that brings together social and competent runners from different continents.

This sponsorship underscores CMC’s dedication to supporting both the community and the region’s sporting endeavors, further solidifying its reputation as a responsible corporate company.

Dries Neethling, the Brand Manager at CMC Arusha, speaks with great enthusiasm about the company’s longstanding relationship with the marathon that has been in existence for more than two decades.

 "Working alongside such a dynamic and passionate team has been nothing short of extraordinary. The energy, the excitement, and the commitment to community engagement that permeates the event is truly fantastic," he says, recalling the vibrant atmosphere that fills the air during the marathon. His words reflect the deep connection CMC feels with the event, and their joy in contributing to its success year after year.

CMC’s sponsorship of the Kilimanjaro International Marathon is not just about visibility for the company; it’s about giving back to the community and fostering positive connections.

 Dries Neethling highlights, “Every organization should want to be part of the community it serves. Our continued support of the marathon is an embodiment of this belief. 

By being involved in such a world-class event, CMC not only celebrates the success of the marathon but also reinforces its position as a major player in the East African market.”

For CMC, this partnership is about much more than just brand promotion. It’s about creating a meaningful impact and ensuring that the event continues to grow, attracting athletes from all over the world. 

"Supporting the Kilimanjaro International Marathon is part of our broader vision to elevate success within the community. It’s an event that brings people together, celebrates fitness and endurance, and promotes a positive image of Tanzania to the world," Dries adds.

Over the years, CMC has been a key partner of the marathon, contributing to its global reach and helping elevate the event to new heights. Though CMC does not sponsor a water table along the marathon route, the company’s support extends to critical elements such as media engagement and providing lead vehicles for the race.

 "By helping with the media and logistics, we ensure that the marathon’s message reaches a wider audience. It amplifies the race’s global appeal and allows us to be a part of something much bigger than ourselves," Dries shares, emphasizing the role CMC plays in making sure the event runs smoothly and is seen by an international audience.

One of the highlights of the Kilimanjaro International Marathon is the Kili Expo, a key part of the event that attracts participants from over 56 countries. For CMC, the expo is an invaluable opportunity to interact with a diverse range of participants and global visitors.

 “It feels great to be able to promote our brand on an international level,” Dries says.

 “The exposure we gain at the Kili Expo helps us connect with potential customers from all over the world, further solidifying our presence in the global market.”

As in previous years, CMC’s sponsorship this year focuses on showcasing the company’s diverse automotive offerings.

 Despite not sending participants to compete in the marathon, CMC continues to highlight its range of solutions in the automotive sector, including popular vehicles such as the next-generation Ford Ranger, the Ford Everest, and the highly anticipated INEOS Grenadier. 

Through this partnership, CMC not only showcases its products but also affirms its commitment to delivering high-quality solutions to its customers.

Alongside vehicle sales, CMC provides expert automotive services through its fully equipped workshops. In Arusha, the CMC Auto care centre is a recent addition that reflects the company’s dedication to customer satisfaction. 

“CMC Auto care is a testament to our commitment to providing comprehensive automotive solutions,” Dries explains. “We’re proud to offer expert auto repairs, genuine parts, and services that meet the highest standards. It’s another way for us to serve our community and make sure our customers’ vehicles are in top condition.”
CMC’s collaboration with reputable brands such as Bosch and TJM further strengthens its position as a leader in both vehicle sales and after sales service. The company also champions Ford’s Premium Maintenance Plan (PMP) in Tanzania, offering customers a level of after sales care that surpasses the standard factory warranty. 

“The PMP is considered the best after sales support in the country,” Dries notes. "It covers essential parts like brake pads, shock absorbers, and even wiper blades, ensuring that customers receive exceptional value and peace of mind long after their purchase."

Looking ahead to the 2025 Kilimanjaro International Marathon, CMC is eager to continue its partnership and build upon the success of previous years. 

“We’re excited to continue our sponsorship and remain a key player in supporting both the marathon and the community,” says Dries. The company’s ongoing commitment to the marathon, and the community it serves, demonstrates how deeply rooted CMC is in the fabric of East Africa.

The Kilimanjaro International Marathon is more than just a race; it’s an event that brings people together from all over the world, united by a love for sports and a shared goal of achieving excellence. 

Since its inception in 2003, the marathon has become one of East Africa’s premier sporting events, attracting thousands of participants each year. 

The event features a standard 42.2 km marathon, a 21.1 km half marathon, and a 5 km fun run, all held in the town of Moshi at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain.

This AIMS-registered race, measured to World Athletics specifications, has been set up to promote the sport of running in Tanzania and boost the country’s tourism industry. 

 The event is officially backed by the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB), which aims to promote the country as a leading tourism destination. Additionally, the marathon has the support of the Tanzania Amateur Athletics governing body and World Athletics.
In addition to CMC, the event benefits from the support of other sponsors such as Kilimanjaro Premium Lager (the main sponsor), YAS (21 km Half Marathon sponsor), CRDB (5 km Fun Run sponsor), and water table sponsors including Kilimanjaro Water, TotalEnergies, Simba Cement, and TPC Sugar. Key official partners include Garda World, Salinero-Kilimanjaro, and suppliers such as Kibo Palace Hotel and Keys Hotel.

The Kilimanjaro International Marathon is organized by the Kilimanjaro Marathon Company Limited and coordinated by Executive Solutions Limited. 

With the continued support of sponsors like CMC, the marathon is poised to grow even further, attracting more participants and international attention in the coming years.

 As Dries Neethling succinctly puts it, “Our involvement in the Kilimanjaro International Marathon is more than just about business; it’s about building a positive, enduring legacy for the community and supporting the growth of the marathon year after year.”

The continued partnership between CMC and the Kilimanjaro International Marathon stands as a shining example of how businesses can positively impact the communities they serve.

 As CMC continues to play a key role in supporting the marathon, the company reaffirms its commitment to not only providing world-class automotive solutions but also contributing to the social and economic development of Tanzania and East Africa as a whole.