More than 500 youths compete in Mogadishu marathon to showcase athletic talent

Saturday April 11, 2026

Mogadishu (AX) — More than 500 young athletes crowded into Mogadishu on Friday for Somalia’s annual short-distance marathon, a race officials are using to scout the next generation of competitors for the international arena.

The capital-hosted event drew open participation from aspiring runners across the country, with no restrictions based on age or competitive experience. Organizers said the broader goal is to widen Somalia’s athletics pipeline and give the country a stronger foothold in global competition.

Somalia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Mohamed Abdiqadir, said the race fits into a larger effort to revive track and field and build a more organized path for promising talent.

“This year, we featured former running legends such as Jama Karacin and Samiya in the sprint competition to set an example for the youth,” the minister said, referring to well-known Somali distance runners who have inspired generations.

He added that athletes discovered through the competition will be offered focused training and long-term preparation as Somalia looks to field stronger teams in regional and international events.

Dr. Khadiija Mohamed Dahir, chairperson of the Somali Athletics Federation, said the race drew participants from multiple regions and reflected rising enthusiasm for athletics nationwide.

“The marathon competition is an open race, and around 300 young people from various regions of the country are participating,” she said, noting that the turnout reflects growing interest in athletics among Somali youth.

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre attended the opening ceremony alongside senior government and sports officials, congratulating the winners and urging wider involvement in sports development efforts.

The minister said officials intend to raise the competition to international standards in the years ahead, including lengthening the race so it matches recognized global benchmarks.

Somalia has long been known for producing distance runners, but years of conflict and weak infrastructure have hampered the growth of organized athletics. Officials say renewed investment in grassroots competitions is meant to restore that legacy while giving young people a constructive outlet for ambition and achievement.