THE Dodoma Regional Commissioner, Rosemary Senyamule, has confirmed the completion of preparations for the fifth season of the NBC Dodoma Marathon.

Expressing satisfaction with the quality of the race and its contribution to stimulating the economy of the region through trade, sports, and tourism sectors, the RC called on citizens to seize the various opportunities that the event presents.

The race, scheduled to take place tomorrow at the Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma, aims to raise funds to support the fight against cervical cancer and provide education funding for midwives to improve the health of mothers and babies. 

Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa is expected to lead over 8,000 participants who have confirmed their participation in the race.

Speaking to journalists, Senyamule commended the bank for its excellent preparations, highlighting the various economic benefits the race has brought to the region over the past five years. The arrival of the race has led to an increase in the circulation of money, driven by the growing demand for food, drinks, clothing, and accommodation from the influx of participants and spectators.

"The completion of the preparations for the race, once again on an international level, gives a true picture of the status of the race and the city of Dodoma as the capital of the country. I call upon the citizens of Dodoma, especially the business community, to seize various opportunities arising from this increase in the number of people, including those beyond the 8,000 confirmed participants," she said.

Furthermore, Senyamule urged the participants of the race to take the opportunity to visit various tourist attractions in the region, including government buildings such as the Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania, the State House, the Government City, and cultural tourism, including traditional dances of the local tribe, the Gogo, while also experiencing grape farming, which is unique to the region in East Africa.

"Moreover, I call upon the citizens to come out in large numbers and lend their support to the participants, creating a vibrant atmosphere and fostering a sense of community. For those who do not need to use their vehicles, it is advisable not to use the roads during the event, ensuring smooth operations and minimizing inconvenience for the runners," she added.

Earlier speaking at the meeting, the head of communication and public relations at NBC Bank – the organizer of the race, Godwin Semunyu, said that all preparations have been completed, and various participants of the races covering distances of 5km, 10km, 21km, and 42km were entering the city to participate in the race.

"To increase the economic contribution and entertainment aspect of these races, we have created several events, including the Wine Testing Festival, which will take place on July 27th here in Dodoma, as well as other entertainment events and various celebrations, with the aim of increasing the entertainment value for the participants of the race, especially the visitors, while also aiming to stimulate the circulation of money to benefit the local residents of this city," said Semunyu, expressing gratitude to various stakeholders, including the sponsors of the race, for making these events successful.

Speaking on behalf of other stakeholders, Joseph Sayi, the Head of the Central Zone of Vodacom Tanzania, said that as the main communication partner in the race, the company is prepared to provide free internet services to all participants of the race.