THE National Bank of Commerce (NBC), the organizing body behind the Dodoma Marathon, has officially announced preparations for the highly anticipated sixth edition of the marathon, scheduled for July 27 in Dodoma.

The event, now a staple in Tanzania’s health and wellness calendar, continues to serve as a major platform for driving social change, particularly in areas related to maternal and child health, cervical cancer awareness, and support for individuals with autism.

This year, NBC has welcomed a new primary partner to the event - GSM Beverages - who will supply water and chilled beverages to ensure proper hydration for the expected 12,000 participants. 

The partnership was solidified during a signing ceremony held in Dar es Salaam, attended by representatives from both the bank and GSM Group.

Godwin Semunyu, head of the communications and public relations unit at NBC, noted that like many other stakeholders involved with the marathon, the new partner recognized the event’s significance and its life-changing health objectives. The marathon aims to raise TZS 700 million to support these initiatives in 2025.

“Through this support, all runners will be guaranteed essential hydration during the event,” he said. “Moreover, our partner has committed to playing a major role in our three priority programs  - improving maternal healthcare, funding midwifery training, and supporting autism care for children.”

As the countdown to this monumental event begins, Semunyu proudly reflected on the marathon's impact over the past five years. The event has raised over TZS 1 billion, with more than 80 per cent of those funds directed toward combating cervical cancer in partnership with the Ocean Road Cancer Institute.

"We have reached around 200,000 women, delivering essential treatments to over 3,000, with 80 women successfully recovered and reintegrated into their families. In collaboration with the Benjamin Mkapa Foundation, we have also funded training for 100 midwives - a number we plan to double this year,” he emphasized.

On his part, Rajab Kondo, head of business and marketing at GSM Group, affirmed the company’s commitment to supporting community well-being. “We believe that collective efforts are crucial to overcoming challenges faced by society. By leveraging our resources, we aim to expand our reach and impact,” he said, urging the public to register and participate.

Regarding preparations, Tatiana Masimba, chairperson of the marathon organising committee, said that participant response has been promising both locally and internationally. Registration is ongoing through the website www.events.nbc.co.tz.

“Individual registration costs TZS 45,000, while groups of 30 or more can register at a discounted rate of TZS 42,000 per person,” she added.