Conservation • Youth Empowerment • Women's Rights
The Great Ruaha Marathon (GRUMA) is more than a sporting event – it is a flagship movement that combines conservation, youth empowerment, and women's rights. Initiated by the Sustainable Youth Development Partnership (SYDP), GRUMA has grown into one of Tanzania's most recognized community-driven marathons, attracting thousands of participants nationwide and beyond.
Born out of the urgent need to protect the Great Ruaha River, a vital source of life for ecosystems, wildlife, and communities in Southern Tanzania, GRUMA raises awareness on conservation, climate action, and sustainable use of natural resources while inspiring people to safeguard their environment.
GRUMA integrates conservation, sports, and advocacy to create sustainable change while protecting the Great Ruaha River and empowering communities across Tanzania.
Protecting the Great Ruaha River ecosystem through awareness campaigns, community engagement, and sustainable resource management practices. The marathon serves as a platform to highlight environmental challenges and promote climate action.
Organizing inclusive marathon events that bring communities together, promote health and fitness, and serve as platforms for conservation awareness and social advocacy campaigns across Tanzania and the region.
Empowering young people to become agents of change while promoting women's inclusion, dignity, and equal participation in sports, leadership, and community development initiatives.
GRUMA addresses multiple dimensions of sustainable development through conservation, empowerment, and community engagement.
Protecting the Great Ruaha River ecosystem through community-based conservation initiatives, sustainable water management, and environmental education programmes.
Promoting climate awareness and sustainable practices through environmental education, tree planting initiatives, and community-based climate adaptation strategies.
Supporting women's inclusion, dignity, and equal participation in sports, leadership roles, and community development through targeted empowerment programmes.
Empowering young people to become agents of change through leadership training, educational opportunities, and active participation in conservation efforts.
Promoting community health through sports participation, health screenings during marathon events, and education on reproductive health and wellness.
Building strong partnerships with government institutions, civil society, private sector, and international organizations to create sustainable community development.
Our marathon events serve as powerful platforms for conservation awareness, community engagement, and social transformation.
Organizing flagship marathon events across Tanzania with plans for regional expansion to Rwanda and Zambia, featuring various race categories for all fitness levels and ages.
Using marathon platforms to raise awareness about the Great Ruaha River ecosystem, promote sustainable resource management, and engage communities in conservation efforts.
Empowering young people through leadership training, environmental education, and active participation in organizing and promoting marathon events and conservation initiatives.
Promoting women's inclusion and equal participation in sports, leadership roles, and decision-making processes while addressing gender equality and reproductive health.
Strengthening collaborations with government institutions, civil society organizations, private sector partners, and international organizations for sustainable impact.
Replicating the GRUMA model across Africa, starting with Rwanda and Zambia, to create a regional network of conservation-focused marathon events.
Measuring success through tangible outcomes in conservation, community empowerment, and sustainable development.
Thousands of participants from across Tanzania and the region have joined GRUMA events, promoting health, fitness, and conservation awareness in their communities.
Over 100 communities across Tanzania have been directly engaged in conservation education, youth empowerment, and women's rights advocacy through GRUMA initiatives.
Young people have been empowered with leadership skills, environmental knowledge, and advocacy tools to become agents of change in their communities.
GRUMA has established its presence in Tanzania and is expanding to Rwanda and Zambia, creating a regional network for conservation and empowerment.
Strong partnerships with government institutions, civil society organizations, private sector, and international partners support GRUMA's sustainable impact.
GRUMA has become one of Tanzania's most recognized community-driven marathons, gaining credibility as a national and regional flagship initiative.
Be part of Tanzania's flagship conservation marathon that combines sports, environmental protection, and community empowerment. Together, we can protect the Great Ruaha River and create lasting change for future generations.