On April 6, 2026, a marathon in East Africa is aiming to do more than test endurance. It is preparing to test the limits of global participation, social impact, and international unity in sport.
The Akili Alumni Marathon, scheduled for Easter Monday in Dar es Salaam, is inviting international runners from every corner of the world to take part in an ambitious attempt to break a Guinness World Record, while helping fund the education of the next generation of technology leaders.
Organized by Akili Education, the event is built around a bold and measurable mission: to raise USD 1.2 million to sponsor 100 Tanzanian students into high-demand degree programs in Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, and Blockchain Technology.
A Marathon with a Global Purpose
Unlike traditional races, the Akili Alumni Marathon is not centered on competition alone. It is a national and international movement that brings together alumni, professionals, corporate leaders, students, and global runners around a single goal: investing in the future of technology talent.
Each USD 12,000 raised will sponsor one student for a full bachelor’s degree, covering tuition, accommodation, food, and essential travel costs. The organizers describe the initiative as a direct investment in skills that will shape the future of finance, government, healthcare, telecommunications, and digital infrastructure across Africa.
“This is not just about crossing a finish line,” said the organizing team in a statement. “Every kilometer run will help a student step into a future that would otherwise be out of reach.”
A Guinness World Record Ambition
At the heart of the event is a global challenge. The organizers are inviting runners from as many countries as possible, with the goal of creating one of the most internationally represented marathon events in history.
If the target is achieved, the Akili Alumni Marathon could enter the record books as one of the first races to feature participants from nearly every nationality recognized by the United Nations, a symbolic achievement that reflects the marathon’s spirit of global unity and shared purpose.
The Guinness World Records attempt is expected to draw international media attention and place Tanzania on the map as a new hub for purpose-driven global sporting events.
A National Event with International Reach
The marathon will be held under the patronage of Tanzania’s Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Prof. Adolf Mkenda, who will attend as Guest of Honour. His participation signals the event’s national significance and its alignment with the country’s long-term education and digital transformation goals.
Organizers expect:
- 3,000 – 5,000 runners on race day
- Participants from multiple continents
- Major corporate and institutional sponsors
- A parallel Global Universities and Scholarships Expo featuring institutions from around the world
The race will feature three main distances:
- 21 km Half Marathon
- 10 km Run
- 5 km Fun Run
Why International Runners Are Being Invited
The invitation to international runners is both symbolic and practical. By participating, global athletes and professionals will not only be part of a potential world record, they will also contribute to a scholarship fund that directly changes lives.
In a country where thousands of capable students miss out on advanced technology education due to financial barriers, the marathon aims to create a pipeline of future engineers, cyber security specialists, and AI professionals.
Organizers say the message to international runners is simple: your participation can create real, measurable impact.
A Run That Goes Beyond Sport
The Akili Alumni Marathon represents a growing global trend: events that combine sport, philanthropy, and education. But its scale and clarity of purpose set it apart. Few marathons are built around a single, transparent goal with a fixed number of lives to be changed.
In this case, the math is simple:
- USD 12,000 = One fully sponsored student
- 100 students = USD 1.2 million goal
- Every runner = a step toward that target
Call to Action: Run, Donate, or Both
International runners, alumni, and supporters are invited to be part of the event in two ways:
- Register as an international runner and take part in the Guinness World Record attempt.
- Donate toward the scholarship fund and directly support a future technology student.
Organizers encourage participants from every nationality to join, emphasizing that each new country represented brings the marathon closer to its world-record goal.
Registration and donation details are available at:
Akili Education
On April 6, the streets of Dar es Salaam will host more than a race. They will host a movement, one that aims to unite the world, break a record, and open the doors of opportunity for 100 young minds.
