AIRTEL Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to employee wellness, community development and environmental conservation by partnering with the Great Ruaha Marathon 2026 as the event's Official Telecommunications Partner.

Held within Ruaha National Park, the annual marathon has grown into one of Tanzania's most distinctive sporting events, blending athletics, tourism promotion and conservation efforts aimed at protecting the Great Ruaha River ecosystem.

Speaking during the event, Airtel Tanzania Human Resources Director Stellah Kibaja said the company's participation reflects its broader commitment to creating positive social impact beyond its core telecommunications business.

"At Airtel, we believe the strongest connections are not only made through our network. They are built through people, shared experiences and communities coming together around a common purpose," she said.

"That is why we are proud to support the Great Ruaha Marathon. It reflects the values we stand for as a company - promoting healthy lifestyles, supporting communities and contributing to initiatives that create lasting impact."

The company fielded 20 employees in the marathon, including three members of its Executive Committee, a move Kibaja said demonstrates Airtel's commitment to leading by example in promoting employee health and well-being.

"As a company, we believe healthy people build stronger teams, stronger teams build stronger businesses, and stronger businesses make a greater contribution to society," she said. "Leadership is not only demonstrated in boardrooms. It is also about showing up, participating alongside your colleagues and inspiring others through action."

Airtel noted that it continues to invest in employee wellness programmes that encourage physical fitness, mental well-being and work-life balance, viewing a healthy workforce as essential to delivering quality customer service and driving business growth.

The telecommunications company currently connects millions of Tanzanians through its voice, data, home broadband and Airtel Money services, while continuing to expand network coverage to improve digital access across the country.

"Connectivity is ultimately about creating opportunities," Kibaja said. "Whether it is a student attending an online class, a farmer receiving payments through Airtel Money, a family staying in touch, or a small business growing through digital services, every connection has the power to improve lives."

Beyond sport, the Great Ruaha Marathon has become an important platform for promoting sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. Addressing participants before the race, Kibaja encouraged runners to view the event as more than a competition.

"Whether you cross the finish line first or last is not what will define today," she said. "What matters is that you chose to invest in your health, support conservation and be part of a movement that is making a positive difference."

The Great Ruaha Marathon is increasingly attracting corporate support as companies seek to align their brands with wellness, sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship while strengthening engagement with local communities.