THE fifth edition of the Dodoma Marathon is set to be a thrilling spectacle, with the organizers of the race announcing a remarkable prize pool worth a staggering Sh: 82 million.

This extraordinary move is part of the organizers’ ongoing efforts to elevate the prestigious event and attract the best athletes from across the region and beyond.

The internationally acclaimed marathon, scheduled for July 28th at the Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma, has long been a beacon of hope in the country, raising funds to support the fight against cervical cancer and providing educational scholarships for midwives to improve maternal health. 

This year, the stakes have been raised even higher, with 60 lucky winners set to receive life-changing cash prizes and coveted medals.

 The prize announcement ceremony, held in Dar es Salaam over the weekend, was attended by officials from the organizers as well as various stakeholders in the sport, including journalists and select runners. 

Thousands of viewers tuned in through live media coverage, eager to learn the details of the lucrative rewards on offer.

The officials from the organizers, Brendansia Kileo and Esnat Holella, explained that the increased prize amounts are part of the organizers' ongoing efforts to elevate the stature of the marathon.

Furthermore, the increased prize amounts are intended to encourage more participation from athletes, including international competitors, and enhance the level of competition for the participants.

"The good news for the participants of the Dodoma Marathon this year is that, in addition to medals for all participants, the first-place winners of the 42-kilometer race for both men and women will each receive Sh. 11.5m, Sh. 5m for the second-place winners, Sh. 2.5m for the third-place winners, Sh. 1.5m for the fourth-place winners, and Sh. 1m for the fifth-place winners. Additionally, the sixth to tenth-place winners will also receive cash prizes," said Kileo.

Regarding the 21-kilometer race, Kileo mentioned that the first-place winners for both men and women will receive Sh. 5.5m each, Sh. 2.5m for the second-place winners, Sh.1.25m for the third-place winners, Sh. 750,000 for the fourth-place winners, and Sh. 600,000 for the fifth-place winners. Similarly, the sixth to tenth-place winners will also receive cash rewards.

"For the 10-kilometer race, the first-place winners for both men and women will receive Sh. 2.5m each, Sh. 1.5m for the second-place winners, Sh. 750,000 for the third-place winners, Sh. 500,000 for the fourth-place winners, and Sh. 400,000 for the fifth-place winners. Additionally, the sixth to tenth-place winners will also receive cash prizes," added Kileo.

The organizers also announced that the kits for the event, including jerseys, will be provided to the participants in mid-July, ensuring that the runners are outfitted in style. They urged the general community to continue registering through the website www.events.nbc.co.tz and contribute towards the main objectives of the marathon.

On her part, Holella expressed gratitude to various stakeholders who continue to participate in the preparations for the marathon, including organizations and companies who are the sponsors of the marathon. 

"Equally, through our collaboration with the TRC, we expect that more than 1,000 participants will travel from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma and return using the high-speed modern train (SGR) of the corporation. This is expected to add more excitement to the marathon in its fifth season," Holella revealed.

The announcement of prizes worth over 80 million shillings to be awarded to 60 winners of this marathon makes it the first of its kind in the country to offer such a high number of prizes to participants.