GardaWorld’s 23-Year Legacy with Kilimanjaro Marathon

By Guardian Correspondent , The Guardian
Published at 04:57 PM Feb 15 2025
GardaWorld’s 23-Year Partnership with the Kilimanjaro International Marathon: A True Legacy of Commitment and Safety.
Photo: Correspondent
GardaWorld’s 23-Year Partnership with the Kilimanjaro International Marathon: A True Legacy of Commitment and Safety.

For over two decades, GardaWorld Security Tanzania has been a proud sponsor of the Kilimanjaro International Marathon, an event that continues to bring together thousands of runners from all over the globe.

This partnership has been one of both commitment and passion, contributing to the safety and success of an event that grows in prominence year after year.
 
According to Charles Lukumay, the Managing Director of GardaWorld Security Tanzania, the experience has been nothing short of incredible. "As a global security firm, we’ve enjoyed making the event safe and memorable for participants from around the world," Lukumay shares. 
 
"We’ve also had the privilege of supporting the next generation of elite Tanzanian runners, providing them with the resources to compete, which aligns with our social engagement efforts."
 
The Kilimanjaro Marathon, which began in 2003, has grown to become the premier event in the region’s sporting calendar, proudly sanctioned by the global athletics governing body, IAAF. 
 
Over the years, it has attracted some of the world’s most prominent runners from across the globe, all vying for top honors in the heart of Kilimanjaro in a few days to come. This global significance is one of the key reasons why GardaWorld has remained a dedicated sponsor for 23 years. 
 
The company's ongoing commitment is fueled by the unwavering dedication of the event's organizers, sponsors, and participants, whose passion and drive inspire GardaWorld to continue supporting this iconic marathon year after year.
 
Lukumay points to the collective commitment as a driving force behind GardaWorld's ongoing involvement. "The passion and effort that everyone brings to this event each year is truly inspiring. We’re motivated by the incredible work put in by organizers, fellow sponsors, suppliers, and participants as It fuels our commitment to delivering a safe and memorable event," Lukumay explains.
 
 
Security is a key business of the security firm. Its commitment in the annual marathon event goes beyond providing typical event security. GardaWorld sets up water tables along the route, ensuring participants remain hydrated and safe throughout the race.
 
 "It’s a rewarding experience to be part of the runners’ journey," Lukumay said adding that as a security provider, it’s an honor to ensure participants' safety while supporting them with the strength they need to reach the finish line.
 
The Kilimanjaro International Marathon also features the Kili Expo, an event that runs for three days leading up to the marathon. This, the MD says, provides to GardaWorld an invaluable opportunity for to interact with stakeholders and customers, both existing and potential. 
 
"The Kili Expo has been an excellent opportunity for us to strengthen relationships with stakeholders and customers," he adds. 
 
"The three days of the expo add significant value to our sponsorship. It positively impacts our market and business, allowing us to engage with a broad range of current and potential clients.", he says.
 
According to the MD, this year GardaWorld is sending over 50 participants, including 41 employees and 9 elite Tanzanian runners sponsored by the company. He says the participants  are fully prepared, well-supported, and eager to compete in the 2025 race.
 
At the 2025 Kilimanjaro International Marathon, GardaWorld is also eager to showcase their wide range of security solutions from guarding services to integrated technical solutions and expert event security, GardaWorld’s presence at the event underscores their role as a leader in security services.
 
 He further states that with GardaWorld’s continued involvement, the Kilimanjaro International Marathon is set to be another world-class event. The firm’s expertise in crowd management ensures that participants, organizers, and attendees can enjoy a seamlessly organized event.
 
 Lukumay encourages everyone to visit GardaWorld's booth during the marathon’s expo to learn more about how they can help secure future events. "Attendees can expect a flawlessly organized international event, with GardaWorld as their trusted security partner," Lukumay says. 
 
 As GardaWorld celebrates 23 years of partnership with the Kilimanjaro International Marathon, their commitment to safety, community support, and excellence in security remains steadfast, ensuring that the event continues to grow and thrive for years to come.
 
Every year, since 2003, at the end of February/beginning March, a standard 42.2 km marathon, 21.1 km half marathon and 5 km fun run are held in the town of Moshi, in the shadow of African’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, which is also the highest free standing  mountain in the World
 
This year’s sponsors include Kilimanjaro Premium Lager (main sponsor) and YAS -21km Half Marathon, CRDB – 5 km Fun Run, water table sponsors Kilimanjaro Water, TotalEnergies,  Simba Cement and TPC Sugar. Official partners –, Garda World, CMC Automobiles, Salinero-Kilimanjaro and suppliers – Kibo Palace Hotel and Keys Hotel.
 
Kili Marathon is organised by the Kilimanjaro Marathon Company Limited and nationally coordinated by Executive Solutions Limited.