Tanzania’s First-Ever Gold Medallist Alphonse Simbu Reveals Secrets Behind Beating Kenyan, Ethiopian Marathon Giants

Alphonce Felix Simbu (TAN) defeats Amanal Petros (GER) to win the marathon in Tokyo.

ATHLETICS Tanzania’s First-Ever Gold Medallist Alphonse Simbu Reveals Secrets Behind Beating Kenyan, Ethiopian Marathon Giants

Tanzania’s First-Ever Gold Medallist Alphonse Simbu Reveals Secrets Behind Beating Kenyan, Ethiopian Marathon Giants

Festus Chuma • 08:12 - 24.09.2025

Alphonce Simbu became a symbol of resilience, returning home to reveal his decade-long pursuit and message for Tanzania’s athletes.

One of the most inspiring chapters in Tanzanian sports has been written by Alphonce Felix Simbu, the marathoner who stunned the world by clinching gold at the IAAF World Athletics Championship in Tokyo last week. 

The 33-year-old marathoner’s victory not only secured Tanzania’s first-ever world marathon title but also ended years of Kenyan and Ethiopian dominance in the event.

Simbu returned home on September 23, 2025, to a hero’s welcome at Julius Nyerere International Airport, where fans, officials, and fellow athletes gathered to celebrate the nation’s golden moment.

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Speaking to reporters, Simbu reflected on his long journey to the top, making it clear that this triumph was no accident but the result of a decade of sacrifice and focus.

“I have been pursuing this medal for ten years. I first competed in this event in 2015 in Beijing, China, but I did not give up. In 2017, I went to London, got the third position, and won a bronze medal. Since 2017, I have participated in this competition many times and faced failures, but I persevered,” he said in an interview with Daily News.

Simbu acknowledged the crucial role played by the Athletics Tanzania Federation, regional authorities, and the Tanzania People’s Defence Force — where he serves as a soldier — in helping him prepare mentally and physically for the race.

“This year, with the support of the Athletics Tanzania Federation, Arusha regional leaders, and the military leadership, we committed to trying again, and this year has been a huge success. I was amazed because we competed against Kenyans, Ethiopians, and even they could not believe a Tanzanian had won,” he added.

Defying East Africa’s Marathon Hierarchy

American runner Connor Mantz battles Cybrian Kotut and Alphonce Simbu at Boston Marathon.
American runner Connor Mantz battles Cybrian Kotut and Alphonce Simbu at Boston Marathon. (Photo Courtesy).

For years, marathon podiums have been the exclusive preserve of Kenyan and Ethiopian athletes, whose dominance has become a hallmark of global distance running. 

Simbu’s gold was a breakthrough moment — proof that Tanzania can not only compete with but also beat its powerful neighbors on the world stage.

His finish was not just about winning a race; it was about rewriting the narrative of East African marathon supremacy. 

It was a statement that Tanzanian athletes, with discipline and structured support, can upset giants and inspire a new generation.

A Message of Perseverance and National Unity

Cybrian Kotut (R) and Alphonce Simbu (L) batlle it out at the 2025 Boston Marathon. (Photo Courtesy).

Simbu used his homecoming interview to inspire other Tanzanian athletes not to lose hope even when success seems far away.

“I want to encourage athletes that they can achieve their dreams if they don’t give up. Giving up prevents you from reaching your goals, but with effort, anything is possible,” he emphasized.

He also thanked President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her unwavering support of sports development, saying her encouragement has motivated many athletes, including him, to push harder.

“The President wishes to see athletes perform well, and when sports succeed, we all benefit. Her encouragement, especially in football, has motivated me and other athletes to work hard and take Tanzania further in sports,” Simbu concluded.