Hadija Ngaga: From the Classroom to the Long Road of Athletics
By Kelvin Kennedy, CMU
For some, running is simply a race against time. For Hadija Ngaga, it is a journey of discipline, resilience, personal growth and the pursuit of a healthier, more fulfilling life.
An Assistant Lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), College of Agricultural Sciences and Food Technology (CoAF), Ngaga has steadily built a second identity beyond the classroom—as a competitive road runner.
Her serious commitment to athletics began in 2023, when what started as a personal fitness pursuit gradually developed into a passion for competition.
At first, running offered Ngaga an escape from the pressures of everyday life and a way to maintain an active lifestyle. “I saw athletics as an activity that could help reduce stress,” she says.
Ngaga stepped into competitive road racing in 2024, beginning a journey that has taken her to several major running events. One of her early breakthroughs came at the UDSM Marathon, where she finished third—a result that strengthened her confidence and encouraged her to take the sport more seriously.
Since then, she has competed in a number of road races and marathon events, including the PUGU Marathon, ABSA Marathon and NBC Marathon, among others.
Her results have varied, with finishes ranging from third to ninth place. Yet for Ngaga, the value of competition goes beyond the final position. Every race offers a lesson, a test of endurance and an opportunity to identify areas for improvement.
More Than Medals and Finishing Times
For Ngaga, athletics is not defined solely by medals, rankings or finishing times. It has opened the door to a wider community of people united by a passion for fitness, endurance and competition.
Through running, she has also discovered the importance of consistency and self-discipline—qualities that complement her professional responsibilities as an academic.
Ngaga believes Tanzania can do more to nurture athletics by strengthening support for athletes, improving training and sporting infrastructure, and increasing investment in the development of the sport.
While a race may last only a few hours, the preparation behind it can take weeks or months. Ngaga's experience has shown her that competitive running demands commitment, physical preparation, mental strength and consistency.
Her journey also demonstrates that talent alone is not enough. Athletes need opportunities to train, access to appropriate facilities and equipment, supportive environments and regular competitions through which they can develop their abilities.
Running Towards a Bigger Goal
From taking her first serious steps into athletics in 2023 to competing in major road races, Ngaga's journey reflects the power of persistence and the willingness to keep improving.
She remains an athlete in development, learning from every race and gradually discovering how far her potential can take her.
As she continues to balance life as a university lecturer with her passion for athletics, Ngaga is embracing both journeys with determination.
For her, every race is more than a finish line—it is another step towards becoming a better athlete, a healthier individual and a more accomplished professional.