THE United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Tanzania Resident Representative, Shigeki Komatsubara, has hailed the Great Ruaha Marathon as a powerful platform for advancing environmental conservation, healthy living and sustainable tourism.

Speaking after participating in the fifth edition of the marathon at Ruaha National Park on Saturday, Komatsubara said the event demonstrates how sport can inspire people to protect nature while showcasing Tanzania's rich wildlife heritage.

"I completed the five-kilometre walk this morning feeling deeply connected to nature. Sport improves our health and brings people together," he said.

Participating in the event for the second consecutive year, Komatsubara said he was encouraged by the increasing number of runners and walkers, describing the marathon as an innovative initiative that links conservation with tourism and community development.

He said the event is not about winning medals but about inspiring people to appreciate the importance of protecting biodiversity for present and future generations.

According to him, the marathon demonstrates how conservation and tourism can complement each other by creating economic opportunities for local communities while raising awareness of the need to safeguard natural ecosystems.

The fifth edition of the Great Ruaha Marathon attracted hundreds of participants from across Tanzania and abroad, who competed in various race categories against the spectacular backdrop of Ruaha National Park.

Meanwhile, organisers have called on the Tanzania National Parks Authority and other stakeholders to accelerate investment in tourism infrastructure in and around Ruaha National Park to accommodate the event's growing popularity.

The Executive Director of the Sustainable Youth Development Partnership, Eward Athanas, said many visitors struggled to secure accommodation during the marathon because of limited lodging facilities.

"We are calling for increased investment in accommodation facilities both inside and outside the park. Every year the number of participants grows, but the available accommodation remains inadequate. Expanding these facilities will improve visitors' experience and strengthen tourism in Ruaha," he said.

Athanas also commended TANAPA for its continued support, saying the partnership has enabled the marathon to grow into one of Tanzania's leading conservation sporting events.

He said the marathon continues to promote domestic tourism, environmental conservation and community participation while creating business opportunities for local communities in Iringa and neighbouring areas.

The Great Ruaha Marathon has grown into one of Tanzania's flagship conservation sporting events, bringing together athletes, conservationists, development partners, government officials and nature enthusiasts to promote wildlife conservation, environmental protection and sustainable tourism