1. Overview
Alphonce Felix Simbu, born on February 14, 1992, is a prominent Tanzanian long-distance runner specializing in the marathon. Throughout his career, Simbu has consistently performed at the highest levels of international athletics, earning recognition through his participation and medal-winning performances in major global competitions. He has represented Tanzania at multiple Olympic Games and World Athletics Championships, securing a bronze medal at the 2017 World Athletics Championships and a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. His consistent top finishes in prestigious marathons underscore his status as a leading athlete in the sport.
2. Early Life and Background
Alphonce Felix Simbu was born on February 14, 1992. Hailing from Tanzania, he developed into a dedicated long-distance runner, with a particular focus on the marathon event. His physique is noted, with a body weight of 121 lb (55 kg).
3. Career
Alphonce Felix Simbu's athletic career has been marked by significant appearances and strong performances in various international long-distance running events, particularly in the marathon.
3.1. Early Career
Simbu began to make his mark in international athletics in the early 2010s. In 2011, he competed in the 2011 All-Africa Games held in Maputo, Mozambique. There, he participated in the 10,000 metres event, finishing in 8th place with a time of 29 minutes and 58.20 seconds, which marked a personal best for him in that distance at the time. In 2015, Simbu competed in the marathon event at the 2015 World Championships in Athletics in Beijing, China, where he finished in 12th place with a time of 2 hours, 16 minutes, and 58 seconds.
3.2. Olympic Games
Alphonce Felix Simbu has been a regular participant in the Olympic Games, representing Tanzania on multiple occasions.
At the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he competed in the men's marathon. He achieved a notable 5th-place finish with a time of 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 15 seconds. Following his strong performance, Simbu was honored with the role of flag bearer for Tanzania during the closing ceremony of the games.
He again qualified to represent Tanzania at the 2020 Summer Olympics, which were held in Tokyo, Japan in 2021. In the men's marathon, he secured a 7th-place finish, completing the race in 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 35 seconds.
3.3. World Athletics Championships
Simbu has consistently competed in the World Athletics Championships, achieving a significant milestone in 2017.
At the 2017 World Championships in Athletics held in London, United Kingdom, he won the bronze medal in the marathon event with a time of 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 51 seconds, marking a major achievement in his career.
He also participated in the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar, where he finished the men's marathon in 16th place with a time of 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 57 seconds.
In 2023, he competed in the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, but did not finish the marathon race.
3.4. Commonwealth Games
Alphonce Felix Simbu has also achieved success at the Commonwealth Games. At the 2022 Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham, United Kingdom, he earned a silver medal in the men's marathon event. His time for this performance was 2 hours, 12 minutes, and 29 seconds.
3.5. Other Notable Competitions
Beyond the major championships, Simbu has also showcased his talent in other prominent international marathons. On January 15, 2017, he won the 14th edition of the Mumbai Marathon. In December 2024, he finished 4th in the Valencia Marathon, where he set a new personal best time of 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 38 seconds.
4. Personal Bests
Alphonce Felix Simbu's career personal bests are:
- 10,000m: 29 minutes, 58.20 seconds (set on September 12, 2011, in Maputo, Mozambique)
- Marathon: 2 hours, 4 minutes, 38 seconds (set in December 2024, at the Valencia Marathon)
- Previously, he recorded 2 hours, 6 minutes, 19 seconds on February 26, 2023, in Osaka, Japan.
5. Competition Record
Alphonce Felix Simbu's major competition results are as follows:
| Year | Competition | Host City | Event | Rank / Medal | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | All-Africa Games | Maputo, Mozambique | 10,000m | 8th | 29:58.20 |
| 2015 | World Athletics Championships | Beijing, China | Marathon | 12th | 2:16:58 |
| 2016 | Olympic Games | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Marathon | 5th | 2:11:15 |
| 2017 | World Athletics Championships | London, United Kingdom | Marathon | Bronze | 2:09:51 |
| 2019 | World Athletics Championships | Doha, Qatar | Marathon | 16th | 2:13:57 |
| 2021 | Olympic Games | Tokyo, Japan | Marathon | 7th | 2:11:35 |
| 2022 | Commonwealth Games | Birmingham, United Kingdom | Marathon | Silver | 2:12:29 |
| 2023 | World Athletics Championships | Budapest, Hungary | Marathon | Did not finish (DNF) | - |