ONCE again GAPCO Tanzania is honouring the disabled runners by giving them an opportunity to take part in the Kilimanjaro Marathon 2013 by sponsoring the GAPCO Disabled Half Marathon, which is part of the event.

The GAPCO Head of Sales and Marketing, Ben Temu said "Disabled runners' participation is bringing the thrill back to the Kilimanjaro Marathon for yet another season. Running the marathon characterises the values and attitude that GAPCO believes in and lives by everyday -a "can-do" attitude, a priority on strength of trust, willpower, stamina and the determination to go the distance.

"Participation of the disabled athletes is evidence of the fact that persons with disabilities not only have the full potential to take on such ordeals, they can accomplish whatever the task. As sponsors, we encourage each segment of our society in particular the corporate sector to sponsor more persons with disabilities for the Kilimanjaro Marathon in the future," he said.

He said the event will have three categories including wheelchair, tricycle and winners will be rewarded handsomely with prizes totaling over 3m/-. Temu further said participation of the disabled athletes is evidence of the fact that persons with disabilities not only have the full potential to take on such ordeals, but can achieve if they set hearts to it.

According to John Addison, Managing Director of Wild Frontiers, the International coordinators of Kilimanjaro Marathon, said the event is one of the most attractive destination marathons in the world as runners come from over 40 countries to run in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro. "The race not only attracts athletes but is also a boost to tourism," he said.