The 2019 MTN-Kampala marathon was launched yesterday at MTN-Uganda offices in Kololo in the presence of MTN-Uganda, Stanbic bank, Rwenzori and Spedag Interfreight officials.
Away from running for healthy and fitness, participants get to contribute towards community benefiting project –with this year’s marathon proceeds geared towards improving maternal health services across the country.
“There is an estimated 336 deaths per 100,000 live births -making Uganda’s maternal mortality rate one of the highest in the world. The proceeds from the regional runs will go towards the improvement of maternal services in health center IV facilities across the country,” noted MTN-Uganda Ag. Chief marketing officer Sen Somdev.
This year’s marathon will see participants take part in the 42km, 21km and 10km races. The record breakers both men and women in the 42km main race earn Shs25m each while the winner will go home smiling with Shs20m respectively.
The first and second runners up will earn Shs10m and Shs5m respectively with the prize money also getting down to the 10th. In the 21km category, both male and female winner will get Shs4.5m cash prize while the first and second runners up will earn Shs2.5m and Shs1.5m respectively.
In the 10km category, the winner gets Shs1.5m while the runners up get Shs800,000 and Shs500,000 respectively. In the corporate category, the winning company gets Shs3.4m to offer to any registered charity of their wish while 5km wheel chair race will earn the winner Shs1.5m.
According to Uganda athletics federation, there has been a route change due to the inconveniences experienced last year while the delay to have this exciting charitable annual marathon listed on the International athletics federation (IAF) calendar has been attributed to the continued change of routes.
Launched 15 years ago, the MTN Kampala marathon has raised up to Shs3bn with last year’s edition fetching up to Shs633m.
This year’s edition will be preceded by regional runs in towns of Soroti, Arua and Masaka on November 3, 10 and 17 respectively with the main marathon set for November 24 starting at Kololo airstrip. Registration goes for Shs10000 and Shs8000 through mobile money.
Special attention to kits has also been ensured for participants to have vests that fit and enable them comfortable running experience.
