Maiden Arusha Tourism Marathon to race alongside giraffes at the foot of Mount Meru
More than 2500 athletes have confirmed to take part in the inaugural Arusha Tourism Marathon with over 30 percent of them being international runners from various foreign countries.
Black News 
Arusha is organizing the first ever Tourism International Marathon where athletes get to race inside one of the Northern Zone’s National Parks.
The maiden Arusha Tourism Marathon is reportedly coming up from the 5th to the 7th of June 2026 at the base of Mount Meru, which is Tanzania’s second highest peak.
For the first time, the event participants will be racing inside the Arusha National Park in the event which is expected to feature three running categories of 21 kilometers Half-Marathon, 10 kilometers’ race and 5 kilometers fun run.
There will also be a special 2.5 kilometers race for children.
Apart from the Marathon, the event will feature other activities such as horse-back riding, canoeing on Momella lakes and cycling adventures.
More than 2500 athletes have confirmed to take part in the inaugural Arusha Tourism Marathon with over 30 percent of them being international runners from various foreign countries.
The Organizer of Arusha Tourism Marathon, Cornell Evarist Magoti, said they expect a number of overseas athletes from as far as the United States and Malaysia.
More runners will be coming from other African countries like Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda.
“But more participants and additional countries are subject to be included later since the registration window is still open,” explained Magoti.
Arusha happens to be the second oldest National Park in Tanzania after the Serengeti.
But why race inside the Arusha National Park (ANAPA)?
“Because the park offers safety to athletes, because the conservancy has good running routes and has already been featuring human sporting activities such as horse riding, nature walking, mountain climbing and even cycling,” explained the organizers.
The main Marathon gets flagged off from the Ngongongare gate, heading towards Momella and then turning back for the finishing point. Essentially all the racing events take place inside the National Park.
Magoti added that the Arusha National park features breathtaking scenery, including waterfalls, craters, lush forest cover, the view of Mount Meru and beautiful wildlife-filled plains.
After the maiden run, the Arusha Tourism Marathon (ATM) is held annually.
The event is being bankrolled by the Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA).
But for this year’s inaugural event, it is specifically targeting to lay grounds for the Africa Cup of Nations, because people who are expected to participate in the AFCON 2027 need to know that there are alternative fun activities.
