ARUSHA’S SAFARI MARATHON FALLS VICTIM TO SECURITY CONCERNS
(Posted 19th August 2014)
In a terse email just received from the organizers of the annual Safari Marathon in Arusha did sad news emerge for athletics supporters and marathon enthusiasts.
Start quote:
Dear participants, fans and sponsors; we regret to inform you that Safari Marathon – 2014 event is postponed till further notice, due to the current safety issues in Arusha.
As safety and security is our main concern we have decided to plan for the event next year.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this and hope you understand.
Kind Regards
Safari Marathon Team
LET YOURRUNNING DO THE TALKING
End quote
Local sources from Arusha expressed their regret as many participants had indicated they would want to come to Tanzania, run in the event and the tour some of the national parks. It is not known if any cancellations might be received now that confirmation is out that the marathon will not take place this year. One within minutes of contacting him in fast wrote back saying: ‘This is a big event for Arusha. Why can’t our police guarantee the safety of the runners. Many people came from far to be part of this last year and the year before. Tanzania might lose business if tourists are suddenly told that security is such a big issue in Arusha that the marathon had to be cancelled. Most tourists stay in Arusha before or after their safari and bad news of this kind are bad news for business’. Added details on the Arusha Safari Marathon can be accessed via www.safarimarathon.com where one can also register for news updates through email to learn instantly once a new date has been set for 2015.
2 Responses
Can you be more specific about your security concerns? Where do you get your information? We operate safaris in Tanzania for the past 20 years and never had an issue in Arusha or all our destination. Are you having problems financially getting this marathon together and taking advantage of what is going on in the media with the epidemics and unrest on other regions to justify your announcement? The only way to find out is for you to provide solid information regarding the security issues you mention in your letter. Thank you.
Mario Corvetto
I can only repeat here what the marathon organizers have
communicated, to me and many others. There have been security incidents in the recent past in Arusha and the decision to postpone the marathon may well have been taken after consulting with security agencies.
Thanks for reading my blog.
W.