The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage Zanzibar, Dr. Aboud Suleiman Jumbe, today, May 19, 2026, officially launched the ONE RUN INTERNATIONAL HALF MARATHON 2026, scheduled to take place in Zanzibar on May 23, 2026, alongside simultaneous races in 25 countries and more than 110 cities worldwide, with over 200,000 participants expected to take part globally.
Speaking during a press conference, Dr. Jumbe stated that the marathon represents a unique opportunity to unite people from different nations through sports, health, friendship, and international solidarity.
He further emphasized that sports tourism remains one of the most effective platforms for promoting Zanzibar internationally as a premier tourism destination, particularly through the growing global appeal of sports tourism.
Dr. Jumbe noted that the marathon will feature races covering 1 kilometre, 5 kilometres, 10 kilometres, and 21 kilometres, with prize awards for the 21-kilometre category starting from TZS 1,000,000.
Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the Zanzibar Athletics Federation, Mr. Muhidn Yassin Masunzu, stated that the race is expected to begin in Forodhani Gardens within the historic Stone Town area, passing through its renowned narrow streets rich in history and cultural heritage linked to the era of the Sultans of Zanzibar.
Mr. Masunzu explained that the unique route through Stone Town will combine sports, tourism, history, and cultural heritage, creating a distinctive international marathon experience while showcasing Zanzibar’s historical identity to global audiences.
Through the ONE RUN INTERNATIONAL HALF MARATHON 2026, Zanzibar aims to position itself as an international hub for sports tourism, cultural heritage, and historical tourism, while contributing to economic growth, public health, friendship, sports diplomacy, international relations, and global cultural exchange through athletics.
