The Tana International Marathon (MIT) is preparing to reach a new milestone in its history. Scheduled for October 10th and 11th, this flagship event of Malagasy running remains subject to current uncertainties. Following the postponement of the 2025 edition, this new event must above all confirm the MIT’s ability to regain its former glory.
Created at the initiative of the Malagasy Athletics Federation (FMA), the MIT has gradually transformed into a true popular festival. Alongside the premier 42.195 km marathon event, several activities have emerged, including the ‘Foulées Écolo’, ‘Handirun’, ‘Maratoons’, and various animations offered within the marathon village.
The ambition has always remained the same: to make athletics a spectacle accessible to as many people as possible and to integrate running into the life of the capital.
Over the years, the MIT has also served as a bridge between Malagasy runners and the regional and African elite. Kenyans, Ethiopians, Reunion Islanders, Mauritians, and South Africans have regularly participated.
The 2012 edition remains particularly memorable. Kenyan David Kiprono Langat won in 2:26:15, ahead of Malagasy Hajanirina Andriamparany, who finished second by just two seconds. Prosper Randriasolaza completed the podium. In the women’s category, Kenyan Jane Nyambura Wandahi finished ahead of Clarisse Rasoarizay.
Hajanirina Andriamparany remains one of the most prominent faces of the MIT. In 2012, he clocked 2:26:17, continuing to be a benchmark in Malagasy racing, especially after his title at the 2015 Indian Ocean Island Games.
Another major figure, Clarisse Rasoarizay, also left her mark on the history of the national marathon. Internationally, the presence of Frenchman Benoît Zwierzchiewski, winner of the 2002 Paris Marathon and then-European record holder with 2:06:36, contributed to the event’s prestige.
The MIT has experienced other highlights, such as the Malagasy podium sweep in 2017, before going through more difficult periods. The 2018 edition was canceled, and the marathon returned in 2019 with a new course.
For the 2026 edition, Tsiry Manantena Rakotomalala, Technical Director of the Malagasy Athletics Federation, issued an appeal: ‘I invite VIMA to clarify its position on the MIT, because the athletes cannot wait and time is running out.’
Twenty years after its inception, the MIT represents much more than just a race. It has become a sporting and tourist showcase for Antananarivo, while supporting partners, volunteers, economic actors, and running enthusiasts. The challenge of this 20th edition will therefore be to restore the MIT to its rightful place in the Malagasy sports landscape.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-16 06:23:47 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/09/athletisme-actu-choisie-le-marathon-de.html