John Addison, managing director of Wild Frontiers, organisers of the event, said a huge number of runners are registering through www.kilimanjaromarathon.com for this year's race compared to last year. The online platform offers convenience to runners especially those coming from abroad because it is the easiest and fastest way to enter and it gives instant confirmation.
Addison added that the tremendous increase in online entries is an indication that the race will attract more foreign runners compared to over 400 foreign entries last year. "Increased participation means the race is growing tremendously and this due to significant investment by Kilimanjaro Premium Lager who have been loyal sponsors to this race since its inception in 2003."
TV exposure
He also attributed the growth to intensive online marketing campaign done by organisers and the international exposure which the event gets through broadcast on SuperSport across the African continent and other international TV channels across the world.
Addison said the United States would field the largest contingent, followed by Britain. Other countries which are expected to take part include Canada, Japan, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Kenya. Others include Sweden, Australia, Hungary, Germany, Zambia, Morocco, Swaziland, Nigeria and Malawi.
The Kilimanjaro Marathon 2014 will comprise of four events which includes the 42km Kilimanjaro Premium Lager Marathon, 21km Half Marathon, 10km GAPCO Disabled Run, and the Vodacom 5km Fun Run. The event is once more expected to be enjoyable due to participation of corporate teams which will compete in the Half Marathon Corporate Challenge.
"The race is run under the watchful eye of Mount Kilimanjaro, with the altitude gain being quite manageable and with the entire race being completed between 830 and 1,150 metres above sea level, on good tarmac roads," he says.
