DODOMA, Sept. 25 -- Fresh off his stunning victory at the Tokyo International Athletics Championships, Tanzanias marathon star Alphonce Simbu has credited his success to disciplined, long-term training and crucially, to the momentum gained after winning the NBC Dodoma Marathon earlier this year.

Speaking at a special recognition event held yesterday at NBC Bank headquarters in Dar es Salaam, Simbu reflected on the pivotal role that the 21-kilometer NBC Dodoma Marathon, held in July, played in preparing him for his Tokyo triumph.

“Winning the NBC Dodoma Marathon was a major source of motivation heading into the Tokyo championships,” Simbu said.

“I used it as a litmus test for my physical readiness, and the confidence I...