DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Dotto Biteko, has praised the CRDB Bank Foundation for its continued efforts in organizing the CRDB Bank Marathon, which has been dedicated to supporting government efforts to improve the health sector, assist those in need, and enhance community well-being.

Dr. Biteko gave this commendation during the fifth season of the CRDB Bank Marathon, where 350m/- was raised to support children in need of heart surgery at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), healthcare services for women with high-risk pregnancies at CCBRT Hospital, and youth empowerment.

"I congratulate you for continuing to support the treatment of our women and children. Women are the backbone of our nation's economy. They are also the caretakers of our families, especially children. Therefore, by strengthening the health of mothers and children, you are strengthening the health of the nation," said Dr. Biteko, adding that the government and Tanzanians appreciate these efforts made by CRDB Bank through the CRDB Bank Foundation.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Arts, Culture, and Sports, Dr. Damas Ndumbaro, said the marathon has significantly helped to promote a culture of sports in the country.

Dr. Ndumbaro mentioned that the marathon has become an important platform for Tanzanian athletes to showcase their talents on an international stage, as the race is internationally certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and World Athletics.

CRDB Bank CEO Abdulmajid Nsekela stated that out of the funds raised, 100m/- will go to help children in need of heart surgery at JKCI, 100/- will support healthcare services for women with high-risk pregnancies at CCBRT Hospital, and 150m/- will be used for youth empowerment.

In the marathon, a total of 8.7m/- in prizes was awarded to 60 winners in the 42km, 21km, 10km, and 5km races, as well as the 65km cycling race.

The Chairman of the CRDB Bank Foundation Board, Martin Warioba, said that a total of 8,000 participants registered this year, with a goal of reaching 10,000 participants in Tanzania next year, and aiming for 3,000 participants each from Burundi and the DRC.

The races, held in Dar es Salaam, were the third after those held in the DRC and Burundi. In the DRC, the races were held on August 4, raising USD 50,000 to improve children's healthcare services at Jason Sendwe Hospital in Lubumbashi. 

In Burundi, the races were held on August 11, raising BIF 120 million to help flood victims in Gatumba, Bujumbura.

Speaking while announcing the race results, CRDB Bank Foundation Managing Director Tully Esther Mwambapa congratulated the winners and thanked the marathon's partners, including insurance companies Sanlam and Alliance Life, the main sponsors of the race.

"We are very grateful to our partners and all the runners for joining us in our efforts to bring smiles to affected children," said Mwambapa.

The winners of the 42km race were Joyloyce Kemuma from Kenya in the women's category, and Moses Nengichi also from Kenya in the men's category.

In the 21km race, the women's winner was Sara Makera from Tanzania, and the men's winner was Joseph Panga from Tanzania. In the 10km race, the women's winner was Hamida Nasor from Tanzania, and the men's winner was Mao Hindo Ako from Tanzania.

Sara Makera, the winner of the 21km women's race, expressed her happiness in participating in the race and said that her victory is part of helping treat children with heart problems and providing care for women with high-risk pregnancies at CCBRT Hospital.

"As a woman, I feel great joy in participating in spreading smiles to children and women. People should understand that good health is a right for everyone, and women should not have to lose their lives during childbirth. We thank the CRDB Bank Foundation for bringing us together in these efforts," she said.