Second edition Independence Marathon returns with new route

The second edition of the Independence Marathon, scheduled for October 4, will feature a new 42km route while retaining the 5km, 10km, and 21km distances.

The marathon will take place along the Northern Bypass, starting at Namboole Stadium and proceeding to Busega Interchange and back. This year, the event is supported by a sh200m sponsorship from Stanbic Bank.

The marathon will also focus on Corporate Social Responsibility under the theme 'Save a Mother,' aiming to reduce birth-related hemorrhage, with proceeds also boosting maternal health services at Mengo Hospital.

Apart from Stanbic, this year's event is also supported by TMR Hospital, Old Mutual and Nivana Water.

The event was launched at a press conference on Thursday at the Old Mutual offices at Nakawa Business Park, addressed by Independence Marathon organizing committee lead Robert Kabushenga, Stanbic Acting Head of Marketing Lois Aber Kwikiriza, Old Mutual Business Transformation Manager Antony Mutyabule, TMR Hospital's Stephen Beyanga, Ministry of Health's Dr. Ruth Grace Babirye Kakoba, Nivana Water's Pearl Kitimbo, and representatives from several running clubs across the country.

Addressing the press, Kwikiriza said their support is part of activities to mark 35 years of driving Uganda's socio-economic transformation.

"For three and a half decades, we have invested in people, businesses, and communities because Uganda is our home, and we are committed to driving her growth," she said. "As the Independence Marathon evolves into a national movement, it offers a powerful platform to raise awareness and mobilise resources for safe motherhood—a priority area within Stanbic's corporate social investment and positive impact agenda for women, youth, and farmers. We are proud to partner with the organisers to help protect mothers and strengthen maternal care across Uganda."

She said that with partners, Stanbic has supported more than 80 health facilities across Uganda with infrastructure upgrades, medical equipment and maternal health interventions, working with the Ministry of Health and the Corporate Society for Safe Motherhood. Proceeds from last year went to Entebbe Regional Hospital.

"Every mother deserves the opportunity to give birth safely," Kwikiriza said.

Kabushenga said for the first time, Ugandans have a marathon in Kampala that is of international standard.

"People have been going everywhere, looking for a good marathon. So finally, a good marathon has come to Kampala. And we, because we're passionate runners, know the reasons why Kampala has failed to deliver that; it has been a problem of geography," Kabushenga said. "So, this is going to be groundbreaking. Because we have completely changed the route to give the runners a wonderful experience. And the way we've discussed with the government the guidelines they've given us, we're now confident that there will be safety and there will be enjoyment. A good experience comes with, first of all, having a safe and straightforward route."

He said the runners will also be entertained along the route.

Kabushenga said the Independence Marathon has three very powerful reasons to run: to do good, to give back, and to promote wellness.

"So, we want people to understand and invest in their wellness. But most importantly, this is an opportunity for the public to also participate in an event to celebrate our independence. So, it's a build-up to the national celebrations," Kabushenga stated.

Prior to the event, organisers will conduct blood donation drives and provide pre-race training sessions. Dr. Babirye Kakoba urged the runners and their families to donate blood. She also urged the organisers to make the run a diverse engagement and include babies, because they are also affected in one way or another during birth.

TMR International Hospital will provide a medical camp for all participants through testing and health advice. Through the TMR Golden Living app, they will also promote wellness through the same drive, proving that healthcare has also gone virtual. Old Mutual will also team up with TMR to include their emergency button on Old Mutual's Thrive app, while Nivana will provide all the refreshments for the run.

Runners will part with sh70,000 for the kit and experience, with all those who start and finish the timed race taking home a medal. An online registration and digital payment system, including Stanbic Flexi Pay, will be set up to enable runners to register for the race.