Organisers of the growing Rock City half marathon now in its third edition have announced September 4 as the date of the event.

The marathon will start at the CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza as confirmed by Capital-Plus International (CPI).

Athletics Tanzania (AT) has sanctioned the event to go ahead in collaboration with the Mwanza Regional Athletics Association.

The event has been launched in Dar es Salaam yesterday as coordinator of the Zaituni Ituja said the main race will cover 21 kilometres for both men and women.

To colour the event, short distance races including a five-kilometre corporate classic race, a three-kilometer race for people with disabilities and elders over 55 years and a two-kilometre for children of closed age between seven and ten will be staged.

Ituja said that the event which has proved to be a big success since it was inaugurated in 2009, aims to promote the domestic tourism concept through sports.

“The half marathon will start at the CCM Kirumba Stadium, taking various routes and back to the stadium for the final lap,” she said.

Official sponsors for this year’s edition are Geita Gold Mine, Air Tanzania Company Limited, Parastatal Pensions Fund (PPF), Bank M, MOIL, National Social Security Fund (NSSF), New Mwanza Hotel, Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) and the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB).

Runners from all over the country as well as foreigners are expected to compete in the event.

Registration fees raised from participants will be channeled to a pool that supports people with disabilities in Mwanza.

Registration forms will be available at CCM Kirumba Stadium offices, Capital- Plus International Limited offices at ATC House 3rd Floor, Athletics Tanzania (AT) offices in Dar es Salaam and Mwanza.