Inaugural Mbarara City Marathon to celebrate Ankole’s heritage

The organizers of the inaugural Mbarara City Marathon have outlined two key objectives for the event: supporting needy children and showcasing the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Ankole region.

Scheduled for Saturday, March 29, the marathon will feature four race categories: a full marathon (42km), a half marathon (21km), a 10km race, and a 5km fun run. The routes will take participants through various parts of Mbarara City, starting and finishing at Les Vegas Hotel.

Dickens Friday Kaka, the event organizer under Gaga Athletics Events Limited, emphasized that the marathon aims to promote healthy living through sports tourism while fostering community engagement.

Dennis Kaka (blue jeans) with other officials at the launch of the Mbarara City marathon on Friday

“We are running to support the needy children under the Gaga Kids Foundation, located in Kakoba, Mbarara City South. The goal is to help restore their dignity by providing access to education and healthcare. Additionally, we aim to showcase the Ankole region’s natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and hospitality,” Kaka explained.

Robert Mwesigwa Rukaari, one of the event’s supporters, highlighted the significance of the marathon as a platform for cultural promotion and community outreach.

“Ankole is blessed with a rich culture, and this marathon presents a great opportunity for the people of this region to showcase it through sports tourism. It also allows us to extend a helping hand to the needy children in our community,” Rukaari said.

Launched last Friday, the event is expected to attract over 5,000 participants, including elite runners, amateur athletes, and recreational runners of all ages and genders.

Kaka also noted that the marathon will celebrate the unique aspects of Ankole culture, such as the iconic long-horned Ankole cattle, which symbolize the region’s identity as the “land of milk and honey.”

Mbarara City’s proximity to Lake Mburo National Park, East Africa’s largest sanctuary for zebras and other wildlife, adds to the region’s tourism appeal. Kaka believes the marathon will help promote this natural hub through sports tourism while also identifying and nurturing athletic talent in the region.

By combining community support, cultural celebration, and sports tourism, the Mbarara City Marathon promises to be a landmark event that benefits both the local community and the wider region.