ABSA BANK REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO SUPPORTING TANZANIA’S HEALTH SECTOR THROUGH DAR CITY MARATHON

Absa Bank Tanzania Managing Director, Obedi Laiser (right), competes alongside other participants during the 10-kilometre race of the 2026 Absa Dar City Marathon in Dar es Salaam over the weekend. Absa was the main sponsor of the event, which attracted more than 3,000 runners from different parts of the country.

Women’s 21-kilometre winner of the 2026 Absa Dar City Marathon, Cecilia Panga (right) from Arusha, receives a cash prize of TZS 1,500,000 from the Director of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Absa Bank Tanzania, Aron Luhanga, after the conclusion of the race in Dar es Salaam over the weekend.

Absa Bank Tanzania Director of Finance, Bernard Tesha, competes alongside other athletes during the recently concluded Absa Dar City Marathon in Dar es Salaam.

Absa Bank Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at improving the health and well-being of Tanzanians, underscoring the bank’s brand promise, “Your Story Matters.”

The commitment was highlighted during the 2026 Absa Dar City Marathon, held in Dar es Salaam, which attracted more than 3,000 runners from various regions across the country.

Speaking during the event, Absa Bank Tanzania’s Director of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Aron Luhanga said the bank remains dedicated to ensuring Tanzanians have access to better healthcare, recognizing that good health is essential for individuals to achieve their goals and aspirations.

“Today we concluded the Absa Dar City Marathon as the main sponsors. At Absa, we say ‘Your Story Matters.’ We believe every Tanzanian, every citizen, has a story to write in life, and without good health, you cannot successfully write that story. That is why we are committed to ensuring Tanzanians enjoy good health,” said Mr. Luhanga.

He added that proceeds collected from the marathon will be directed toward the purchase of medical equipment for the maternity ward at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, further strengthening maternal healthcare services.

The event also celebrated outstanding athletic performances across multiple race categories. In the women’s 21-kilometre race, Cecilia Panga from Arusha emerged victorious for the second consecutive time, attributing her success to discipline, dedication, and consistent training.

Meanwhile, the Secretary of the Dar es Salaam Athletics Association (DAA), Felix Chunga, noted that the Absa Dar City Marathon has continued to grow significantly since its inception and is now in its sixth edition.

According to Chunga, the event has attracted increasing participation from professional and amateur athletes alike, thanks to strong sponsorship support from Absa, attractive prize packages, and high standards in event organization. He added that the marathon has also played an important role in helping local athletes improve their performance in both national and international competitions.

Winners of the 2026 Absa Dar City Marathon

5 Kilometres

• Men’s Winner: Nicholaus Zakaria – 20:08:06 
• Women’s Winner: Maria Joseph – 23:15:55

10 Kilometres

• Men’s Winner: Jumanne Mnada – 28:37:03
• Women’s Winner: Anastasia Nolomongo – 35:14:91

21 Kilometres

• Men’s Winner: John Nahhai – 1:03:53:18
• Women’s Winner: Cecilia Panga – 1:12:49:28

The Absa Dar City Marathon continues to position itself as one of Tanzania’s leading sporting and social impact events, combining athletics, community engagement, and healthcare support to create meaningful change across society.

Absa Bank Tanzania Chief Operating Officer, Oscar Mwamfwagasi (left), presents an award to one of the winners of the Absa Dar City Marathon 2026.

Absa Bank Tanzania Director of Compliance and Legal, Alistides Kashasira (left), presents an award to one of the winners of the Absa Dar City Marathon 2026.

Absa Bank Tanzania Director of Customer Experience and Digital Services, Samuel Mkuyu (left), presents an award to one of the winners of the Absa Dar City Marathon 2026.

Absa Bank Tanzania Managing Director, Obedi Laiser, together with employees who participated in this year’s Absa Dar City Marathon, pose for a commemorative photo after conclusion of the race.