Athletics Tanzania to regulate number of foreign athletes in country races

In a move to curb the growing number of Kenyan athletes registering to participate in various races in Tanzania, Athletics Kenya on Monday 7 August sent out a notice that will now see a rule change to the process.

The shift is brought about by new formulated rules from Athletics Tanzania that will now seek to regulate ‘the number of foreign athletes participating in races in its country.’

“The Tanzania Athletics Federation has indicated that moving forward, the number of Kenyan athletes allowed for each race held in their country will be forwarded to Athletics Kenya for authorization,” part of Athletics Kenya’s statement read.

On AK’s part, subsequent authorization will only be issued to athletes registered with Athletics Kenya, and those free from any anti-doping rule violations.

The changes will therefore present a difference from the norm, where Kenyans and foreigners participated freely in the invitational races, with the new mandate setting a precedence for the use of ‘clearance certificates’ for athletes wishing to tackle part in the said marathons.

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“As the governing body of athletics in Kenya, we are mandated to authorize the elite athletes who participate in the events,” the notice added.

“We wish to abide by this rule and therefore request athletes to reach out to us for authorization before registering or participating in races in Tanzania.”

Two racing events have been lined up for the next few months in Tanzania, with the Kilimo and Serengeti marathons slated for 23 September and 11 November this year.

Mt. Kilimanjaro and Kilimasai Marathon plus Safari marathons are the latest 42km events to be held in the country, with the latter taking place on 30 July 2023 at Marangu, Tanzania.

Athletics Kenya had in February 2021 barred all the Kenyan athletes from taking part in the year’s Kilimanjaro Marathon due to the Covid-19 outbreak.