SYSTEM_INITIALIZED · NOV.07.2026

ARIFA AI MARATHON

Tanzania's First AI & Innovation Marathon — Running the Future with Intelligence

Date Saturday, 07 Nov 2026
Location Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Categories 5K · 10K · 21K · 42K
Organizer ARIFA
Register Now → Discover Event ↓
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[ 01 / About the event ]

Where Athletes Meet Algorithms

The ARIFA AI Marathon is a one-of-a-kind annual event organized by the Africa Research Institute For AI (ARIFA). It blends sports, technology, innovation, health awareness, and youth engagement into a single landmark experience.

Held annually on 7th November in Dar es Salaam, the marathon promotes healthy living while advancing awareness and adoption of Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies for socio-economic development across Tanzania and the wider continent.

More than a race — it's a movement. Universities, startups, corporates, and government institutions converge on the streets of Dar es Salaam to literally run the future.

  • Annual Flagship Event
  • Pan-African Reach
  • AI Innovation Expo
  • Hackathon Side-events
  • Tech Company Booths
  • Youth Engagement
ARIFA AI Marathon emblem
[ 02 / Race Categories ]

Choose Your Distance

Whether you're a casual runner, a corporate team-builder, or an elite athlete chasing a podium finish — there's a category calibrated for you.

[ CAT_01 ]
5KM

Fun Run

A relaxed start-line experience for families, beginners, and the wider community who want to be part of the movement.

⬢ All Ages Welcome
[ CAT_02 ]
10KM

Corporate Run

A strategic team-building distance for companies, institutions, and tech firms running together in branded squads.

⬢ Team Categories
[ CAT_03 ]
21KM

Half Marathon

The endurance test for serious runners — a true challenge along the coastal route of Dar es Salaam.

⬢ Timed & Certified
[ CAT_04 ]
42KM

Full Marathon

The flagship 42.195 km course. Elite athletes, prize money, and the ultimate ARIFA AI Marathon title up for grabs.

⬢ Elite Prize Pool
[ 03 / Beyond the Finish Line ]

AI Innovation Expo & Activities

Running is just the warm-up. The ARIFA AI Marathon transforms Dar es Salaam into a living showcase of African intelligence — happening simultaneously alongside the race.

// 01

AI Innovation Expo

A curated exhibition of the most exciting AI products, prototypes and research coming out of Africa. Live demos, keynote talks, and recruitment opportunities for visitors and runners alike.

// 02

University & Startup Showcase

Tanzania's brightest universities and earliest-stage startups present their work side-by-side. A dedicated zone where investors, mentors, and the next generation of builders connect.

// 03

Tech Company Booths

Leading technology companies across telecoms, fintech, healthtech and agritech set up branded experiences for the thousands of attendees passing through the marathon village.

// 04

Hackathon Side-Events

A 24-hour build-sprint runs in parallel with the marathon weekend, challenging teams to ship AI-powered solutions to real Tanzanian problems — judged at the finish line.

[ 04 / Built for Everyone ]

Who's Running with Us

The ARIFA AI Marathon brings together a uniquely cross-cutting community. Whether you compete in lane 1 or watch from the sidelines, you'll find your tribe here.

🎓
Universities
⚡
Tech Communities
🏢
Corporates
🚀
Startups
🏛
Government
🏃
Fitness Enthusiasts
📡
Media Partners
🌍
General Public
[ 05 / Event Day Protocol ]

Race Day Schedule

Saturday, 7 November 2026 — a full day of running, exhibiting, and innovating across Dar es Salaam.

04:30

Marathon Village Opens

Bib collection, warm-up zones, and expo booths come online.

05:30

Full Marathon Start (42K)

Elite and standard athletes set off on the flagship distance.

06:00

Half Marathon Start (21K)

A coastal half-marathon route through Dar es Salaam landmarks.

06:30

10K Corporate Run

Branded teams from across Tanzania take to the start line.

07:00

5K Fun Run

Families, beginners, and community runners join the celebration.

09:00

AI Innovation Expo Opens

Doors open to the public showcase, demo stages, and startup pavilion.

12:00

Hackathon Demos & Awards

Teams pitch their 24-hour AI builds; winners are announced.

14:00

Awards & Closing Ceremony

Marathon medals, prize money, and the official close of ARIFA AI Marathon 2026.

Ready to Run the Future?

Registration opens soon. Be among the first to secure your spot at Tanzania's first AI & Innovation Marathon.

Get Notified → Become a Sponsor →
[ 06 / Connect with us ]

Get in Touch

For partnerships, media enquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or general questions about the ARIFA AI Marathon — reach out via the channels below.

// Organizer
Africa Research Institute
For AI (ARIFA)
// Executive Director
Eng. Dr. Dennis N. Mwighusa
// Address
Dar es Salaam
Tanzania
// Email
marathon@arifa.org
// Marathon Site
aimarathon.arifa.org
// Parent Org
arifa.org
Dar es Salaam
Tanzania · 06°47′S 39°12′E