Arusha — "Let your running do the talking," is the slogan which runs ahead of the maiden 'Safari International Marathon' which races out for the first time in Arusha, next Month.

"It will be an annual international racing event to be taking place during the first week of August every year," said the Marathon Coordinator, Mr Victor Mollel. This year's inaugural race takes place on Sunday, August 8, 2010.

"We expect between 1500 and 2000 participants from around the world to run in the 'Safari Marathon' which is set to dish out cash prices amounting to more than 6 million as well as trophies and other souvenirs," added Mr Mollel who is also the Executive secretary of the newly registered 'Safari International Marathon Club.'

The marathon according to the organizers is going to be both the Arusha's answer to Kilimanjaro International Marathon staged in Moshi every February and revival of athletics activities in the region after the collapse of the world-famous 'Mount Meru International Marathon' which also used to take place here every August in the 90s.

Prized events include 21 kilometers 'Half-Marathon' for men and women with each winner in both categories cashing 1 million/- second runners up getting 600,000/- each, third winners, 300,000/- while the 4th and 5th winners stand to get 100,000/-.

There will also be wheel chair racing for both men and women with physical disabilities and the first winners from both gender are to get 400,000/-, second winners 300,000/-, third 200,000/- and those in the fourth place are to get 100,000/- each.

The Safari Marathon, backed by Ujumbe Ink a tourism promoting outfit will also include a 5 kilometer 'Family run' a fun event for people who want to participate without sweating too much.

The Half-Marathons start at the Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium, covering Makongoro, Sokoine, Dodoma, Selian, Nairobi roads and Wachagga plus Swahili streets before returning to the town stadium for overall finish.

The 'family race' will be flagged off from Mwenge Roundabout Junction, along Makongoro road, Clock Tower, NCAA junction, AICC, Sanawari, Mianzini then down Col.Middleton road and climax at the Stadium.