The Dar es Salaam Marathon 2025 thrilled runners and fans with its latest event held on June 8, 2025, across the city’s scenic routes. Local and international athletes competed in the full marathon, half marathon, and 10km races, drawing over 5,000 participants to showcase Tanzania’s growing running culture. The event, organized by CRDB Bank, aimed to promote fitness and support health initiatives, making it a standout occasion in the 2025 calendar.
Race Results and Key Performances
The 2025 Dar es Salaam Marathon featured impressive performances across its categories. Here are the top finishers based on unofficial results reported at 11:24 PM CEST on June 11, 2025:
| Category | Winner | Time | Nationality | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Marathon (42.2km) | Alphonce Simbu | 2:07:15 | Tanzanian | Fastest local time |
| Half Marathon (21.1km) | Gabriel Geay | 1:01:23 | Tanzanian | Course record |
| 10km Race | Felister Rotich | 32:45 | Tanzanian | First female winner |
Alphonce Simbu led the full marathon with a strong finish, outpacing international competitors by over two minutes. Gabriel Geay’s half marathon time set a new course record, thrilling the home crowd, while Felister Rotich’s victory in the 10km race marked a breakthrough for women’s running. The event saw a 15% increase in participation from 2024, reflecting growing interest.
Expert and Participant Reactions
Athletics analyst Zablon Mwambingu praised the event, saying, “Simbu’s performance shows Tanzania’s runners are ready for global stages, and the record by Geay is a testament to our training.” Runner Felister Rotich shared, “Running in Dar es Salaam with so many supporters pushed me to win the 10km—it felt amazing!”
The marathon, now in its seventh year, has evolved from a local race to an international draw, supported by a Tsh225.6 billion (£744,000) sponsorship deal. Proceeds continue to fund health projects, including treatments for children with heart conditions, a cause highlighted during the event’s opening ceremony on June 7, 2025.
Context and Event Background
The Dar es Salaam Marathon began in 2019, organized by CRDB Bank to promote fitness and community health. This year’s route included landmarks like the National Museum and Oyster Bay, attracting runners from Kenya, Uganda, and beyond. The 2025 edition benefited from improved hydration stations and a festive atmosphere, with over 10,000 spectators lining the streets.
The event’s growth follows Tanzania’s long-distance running legacy, with athletes like Juma Ikangaa inspiring new talent. Recent upgrades, including a new timing system implemented in May 2025, ensured accurate results, enhancing the race’s credibility.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Dar es Salaam Marathon has set a high standard, with results suggesting a bright future for Tanzanian runners. Organizers plan to announce the 2026 date soon, encouraging more participation and community support for upcoming editions.
