Kilimanjaro Marathon, 28th February 2010

The beautiful but cool dawn of Sunday, 28th February 2010, brought on a whole new level of built up energy and excitement for the Singita Grumeti Gallopers.

Many hours of training and time trials took place in order to select our team of runners who were in peak shape to compete against the many other competitors, almost 3500, from 26 countries in this year’s Kilimanjaro Marathon.

Africa’s giant, Mt. Kilimanjaro stood magnificently as a reliable beacon of the ultimate challenge, encouraging the trudging competitors along the marathon route held in and around the small scenic town of Moshi.

The event, now in its 8th year saw the organisers, Wild Frontiers, producing and coordinating a more professional event which had more sponsors, water stations and a wider variety of media coverage than previous years. A sure sign the event is gaining popularity with each year, attracting more competitors and spectators alike.

The event was made up of a Full Marathon (42.2 km) sponsored by Kilimanjaro Premium Lager; a Half Marathon (21.1 km), and a 5 km Fun Run/Walk sponsored by Vodacom. Unfortunately the Disabled Half Marathon added in the 2009 event, sadly did not feature in 2010.

From a selection process that saw an eager 52 staff members entering the time trial events held at Sasakwa Lodge, 24 athletes managed to power their way into the final Singita Grumeti Galloper team.

Proudly wearing their uniquely designed team T-shirts, it was finally the moment in time to channel the high team morale into putting their legs and lungs to the test with the hills and the altitude.

The marathon route winds its way through the streets of Moshi’s town and suburbs, then turns onto a gradual but rather challenging lengthy 10 km incline through the scenic coffee plantations heading towards the Mweke gates of Mt. Kilimanjaro. An enthusiastic array of cheering spectators lined the course to keep the athlete’s mental state and momentum at an all time high. However, there is no greater feeling of relief for the fatigued runners as the one you feel when you reach the final turning point at the top of the incline and start your glorious decent course on jellied legs back to the finish at the College Stadium.

Our Singita Grumeti Galloper entry into the Full Marathon (42.2km) saw once again Tansy Glanz (Spa Manager) strutting her stuff in her 4th consecutive full marathon. After the hilly route change of the 2009 event, she set out with mindset of pacing herself for the 2010 challenge… however a pleasant surprise to see the course was back following the original route of previous year’s races.

Tansy finished 16th out of the female athletes (49th position overall) who participated within the Full Marathon, as well as being the first Muzungu lady to cross the finish line. This apparently is quite an honouree thing each year in Tanzania.

Hongera (Congratulations) to all!

It is exceptionally clear that this year to date has produced the fastest times from our successful Singita Grumeti Gallopers, especially from our repeat athletes.

Our Grumeti Fund Anti-poaching Scouts made up the bulk of the competitive force of team members this year, which saw them particularly producing great times. However, not speedy enough to catch our top athlete, Jumane Morumbe from Sasakwa Grounds, who ran like a demon to finish in the overall top position amongst the Gallopers. Brilliantly done! On a wonderfully encouraging note, we saw the addition of another female entry into the team, Mandy Cloete (Sasakwa Lodge Manager), who along with Frank Louw (Head Chef – Sasakwa) attempted and conquered their 1st Half Marathon after hours of dedicated training. Well done and congratulations to you both!

We now look forward to the 2011 event scheduled for 27th February, to see what the Singita Grumeti Gallopers can produce. Optimistically we are hoping for a few new entries to add a company wide competitive edge from the other Singita properties and Cape Town Office team....