Ngorongoro Run 2010 – The Race against Malaria

The third Ngorongoro half Marathon (21 km/14 miles) will be held on Saturday, the 10th of April, 2010. It is still possible to register as a participant, which is free of charge. Everyone participating will get a 50 US$ discount on any ZARA safari or climb. Even if you’re not into participating yourself, it will be a lot of fun to cheer on the many local and foreign runners!

Last year, In April 2009, more than 280 world class runners from East Africa and the United States made their way through one of the most beautiful and unique places on earth, beginning at the Ngorongoro Crater and ending in Karatu Town. Participants ran the full half marathon as individuals and this year, MIHV (Minnesota International Health Volunteers) that are arranging the run, are encouraging corporate teams to run the race as a relay. For 2010,  5 km and 1 km “fun runs” for children are added.

MIHV is still looking for sponsors of the event. If you see yourself in a position to assist, contact Jolene Mullins, MIHV country director for Tanzania (jmullins@wellshareinternational.org). Sponsorship opportunities start as low as 100,000 TSh (75 USD) to sponsor a runner (Bronze package) and 1 Mio. TSh (750 USD) to be a main sponsor. Also contact Jolene if you want to participate as a runner.

The marathon is an opportunity to raise awareness about malaria which affects between 300 and 500 million people every year, over 90% of whom live in Africa. Malaria kills over one million men, women and children every year. In Tanzania one person dies of malaria every 10 minutes.