allafrica reports
THE Government in Kilimanjaro region said it would continue to support the Kilimanjaro International Marathon, because of its importance as one of the region and country's main tourist attractions.
The promise was made by the Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner, Monica Mbega, during the launching of the Kilimanjaro region's version of the 2010 Kilimanjaro International Marathon held in Moshi Kilimanjaro region, over the weekend.
"For us in the region apart from making our region known worldwide, the annual event does promote and improve our regional economy and that of its people", she noted.
She said during the event which started in 2003, the region ahs been subject to many visitors form inside and outside the country who come to take part in the race.
"During the 2010 Kilimanjaro International Marathon which we are launching today, we are also expecting a wide range of participants and supporters of the event whereby we are hoping to have an increase of arrivals as well as room occupancy in our hotels compared to the past", she said, adding, the would improve the economy of the region.
Mbega hailed the main sponsors of the now famous international event whom she said include the Kilimanjaro premium lager and Vodacom limited.
"We understand that there are many others who have and continue to play big roles in making the event a success but the participation of Tanga cement, DT Dobie, New Africa hotel, Good Year tyres, KK security, Keys hotel and Kilimanjaro water has been outstanding as far as the success of this event is concerned", she added, whereby she also hailed the Tanzania Tourist Board for promoting the event worldwide.
The Regional Commissioner also commended the Moshi University College of Cooperative and Business Studies, the Police force in Kilimanjaro region, the Moshi municipal council, the Kilimanjaro marathon club and the Kilimanjaro regional athletic association for their role they have been playing in making the event a success.
Speaking during the launching, the Managing Director of the Executive Solutions which are the main coordinators of the event, Aggrey Marealle, said the launching of the event almost four months before schedule was meant to pave way for better preparations which would make it, (marathon), become successful.
He said since its inception almost seven years ago, the event has been attracting more participants every year.
"We started with 750 participants when the Kilimanjaro marathon was established in 2003 and the number rose to more than 4,000 this year, it is our hope the number will raise in the 2010 marathon we are launching today", he said.
Marealle cited the motives of the event as those of identifying new talents, promoting Mount Kilimanjaro which is Africa's highest peak and also promoting Tanzania to make it the main tourist destination
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