About SMIB Brazzaville 14 August 2026 · 10am +(242) 06 525 60 42
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    At the heart of Congolese running.

    For more than two decades, the International Half-Marathon of Brazzaville has brought together youth, institutions, and running enthusiasts around a single event: 21.1 km in the heart of the capital.

    Since 2003 21.1 km certified High Patronage
    2003
    Founded
    20
    Editions held
    38
    Countries represented
    4,823
    Finishers in 2025
    Our mission

    Bring Brazzaville to life,
    one stride at a time.

    SMIB is more than a race: it's a popular celebration that turns the capital into an open-air stadium for a weekend.

    For over twenty years, the event has brought together beginners, international elites, families, and volunteers around values of sharing, excellence, and unity.

    Excellence

    AIMS-certified, run to the highest international standards.

    Unity

    Bringing Congolese and international youth together around sport and self-transcendence.

    Integrity

    Total commitment against doping and for fair competition.

    Outreach

    Putting Brazzaville and Congo on the international sports map.

    Our story

    From 412 to 4,823 finishers.

    2003 — 2026

    The International Half Marathon of Brazzaville has, over the years, become one of Congo's major sporting events. It brings together amateur runners, seasoned athletes and international elites on an emblematic route in the heart of Brazzaville.

    From 2023 to 2025, participation grew significantly — from over 1,100 entries in 2023 to more than 3,400 in 2024, and over 6,000 in 2025 based on available data.

    This momentum confirms SMIB's appeal and its role in promoting sport, personal challenge and Brazzaville's standing across the region and beyond.

    2003

    First edition

    SMIB launched by a Congolese athletes collective. 412 runners on the start line.

    2008

    AIMS certification

    The course earns international certification, opening the path to recognized performances.

    2014

    High Patronage

    H.E. the President grants High Patronage to the event.

    2019

    Crossing 4,000

    First edition over 4,000 finishers, 38% women.

    2024

    Anti-doping programme

    Control system set up, aligned with WADA standards.

    2026

    21st edition

    A new decade opens, with a redesigned route through the capital.

    The team

    The people behind SMIB.

    President
    M. Casimir Etienne MBANI
    Founder
    Race director
    Mme Sylvie KALONJI
    AIMS Certified
    Sports coordinator
    M. Jean-Pierre OBAMBI
    Former international
    Medical lead
    Dr. Annick LOUKILA
    Sports medicine
    Recognition

    Under the High Patronage

    Since 2014, SMIB has benefited from the High Patronage of H.E. the President of the Republic of the Congo, who has made sport a lever of national cohesion and popular pride.

    This official recognition commits us to deliver, each year, an event that matches the country's sporting ambitions.

    S.E.M. Denis Sassou Nguesso
    #SMIB2026
    "Sport is the common language of our youth."
    S.E.M. Denis Sassou Nguesso
    Président de la République du Congo

    Join the 2026 adventure.

    Runner, volunteer, partner: there's a spot for everyone on 14 August 2026.

    Register (free)