This year’s MTN regional races came to a colorful end in Masaka town ahead of the anticipated 2019 MTN Kampala Marathon this weekend. Introduced to give the MTN Kampala Marathon a national feel and allow people from all over the country contribute to the causes of the Marathon, the Regional races also act as a preamble to the main Marathon.
This year, the 10km races were held in Soroti, Arua and Masaka whereas the inaugural races were held last year in Gulu, Mbale and Mbarara.
Runners painted Masaka town yellow yesterday as they took to the 10km track not only to tussle for the shs.5 million worth of cash prizes but to also contribute in improving maternal health in the region.
SalimKwemoi, a Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) official completed the race in 29 minutes and 13 seconds, making him the overall winner. He walked away with a cash prize of 700,000 shs. In second and third place were Titus Kibet and Nelson Wakana respectively. They also walked away with cash prizes. In the ladies’ category, Doreen Chemutai, a Prisons official came first. She completed the race in 33 minutes and 44 seconds, winning herself 700,000shs. In Second and third place were Emily Chebet and AnnetChelangat respectively. The first eight men and women won various cash prizes.
In addition to contributing to maternal health, other runners simply participated to have fun, often stopping for photo opportunities as they covered the 10kilometres at their own pace.
With the awarding ceremony out of the way, revelers were treated to great performances from Masaka-based artistes before renowned singer, Spice Diana serenaded them with her popular hits and thrilling performance.
More of such action and entertainment will go down this Sunday 24th of November at the Kololo independence grounds in the highly anticipated 16th edition of the MTN Kampala Marathon. 20,000 people are expected to participate in the full marathon, half marathon, the 10km race and the wheel chair race. All the races are held under the theme; “A good reason to run” as all the proceeds will go to improving maternal health in the country.
With an estimated 336 deaths per 100,000 live births, Uganda’s maternal mortality is one of the highest in the world. This explains why for the third year in a row, the Marathon will focus on improving maternal health.
Proceeds from last year’s Marathon are being used to complement efforts by the Ministry of Health to improve service delivery in 5 Health Centre IV facilities across Uganda.
