Over 800 participants are expected to converge in Kilolo District, Iringa Region, on October 31, 2026, for the Kitonga Marathon, an event aimed at showcasing the area’s investment, tourism, sports and environmental conservation potential.
The marathon is expected to provide a platform for promoting Kilolo as an emerging destination for tourism and investment, while creating awareness of the economic opportunities available in the district.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday during a briefing on preparations for the event and its sponsorship, Kilolo District Commissioner Atupele Mwakibete said the marathon would help showcase the district and attract visitors and potential investors from across the country.
He said Kilolo had significant opportunities in agriculture, forestry, mining and tourism, adding that the event would help expose these opportunities to residents, investors and other stakeholders.
“We have come to Kilolo to work for and serve the people, listen to them and address their challenges in collaboration with our fellow leaders. We also want to promote Kilolo so that people can see the opportunities available in our district,” Mwakibete said.
Kilolo District Council Executive Director Siwema Jumaa said the Kitonga Marathon would also promote environmental conservation and protection of natural resources around Mount Kitonga, while supporting the development of nature and sports tourism.
She said the event would feature 5km, 10km and 21km road races, alongside a trail run up Mount Kitonga, giving participants and visitors an opportunity to hike and explore the area’s natural attractions.
Jumaa said organisers were targeting at least 800 participants, with registration currently under way.
Participants in the 5km, 10km and 21km races will pay a registration fee of Sh50,000, while those taking part in the Mount Kitonga trail run will pay Sh70,000 and receive a T-shirt, bag, medal and race number.
In the 21km race, the winner will receive 1m/- million, while the second- and third-placed finishers will receive 600,000/- and 400,000/- respectively.
For the 10km race, the top three male and female finishers will receive 500,000/- ,300,000/- 200,000/- respectively.
Kilolo District Council Chairman Rashid Nzelemela said the marathon presented both an economic and social opportunity for the district, particularly through the tourism potential of Mount Kitonga.
He said the development of tourism around the mountain could attract investment in hotels and other tourism-related services, creating additional business opportunities for local communities while raising Kilolo’s profile as a tourism destination.
Meanwhile, Exim Bank Iringa Branch Manager Asia Selem, whose bank is the main sponsor of the Kitonga Marathon, said the bank decided to support the event after recognising its potential to bring together sport, communities, environmental conservation, tourism and economic development.
She said Exim Bank would also use the event as an opportunity to promote financial literacy and create awareness of business and financial opportunities among members of the community.
The organisers have called on people from across the country to register and participate in the Kitonga Marathon, saying the event will provide an opportunity to promote Kilolo, attract investors and visitors, and showcase opportunities in tourism, environmental conservation and business.