Team Matooke’s Independence Marathon gains momentum

The inaugural Kampala-Entebbe Marathon has gained steam with recreation runners eager to set new goals in the event due on Independence Day (October 9).

A number of recreational runners have subscribed and many are looking forward for the event that is set to transform the iconic Kampala-Entebbe Monthly Run into a premier national event celebrating healthy living and patriotism.

Potential runners can subscribe for the event upon payment of sh70,000 through: https://momoticketing.com/event/independence-marathon. The run is organized by Team Matooke in conjunction with the recreational running clubs committee and is being managed by the running clubs of Kampala and Entebbe who will handle different responsibilities. The running community stretches as far as Mbarara, Mbale, Gulu, Kasese, and Fort Portal.

The running organising committee chairman Robert Kabushenga said this is their own way of celebrating independence but they we are also using the occasion to champion the cause of safe motherhood.

“One of our sponsors Stanbic Bank is very keen on that social cause, and part of the money we shall raise from the run will be donated to the Entebbe Hospital Maternity Ward,” Kabushenga said. He said the 42km race will start at ISU Lubowa before heading to Serena Kigo via Lweza and before returning to Kajjansi, before heading out to Entebbe.

“There is parking at ISU for those that will be doing the 42km and at Taibah International School for those that will run the 21km which will start outside Voice Mall in Bwebajja.

“We have been given a sponsorship of four buses by Kiira EV that will then provide free transport for our runners from Entebbe back to Kampala. Our big partners that we have been able to put together so far include:  Stanbic, MTN, TMR, and Nivana from Crown Beverages, who will provide hydration along the routes.”

There will be prizes for the top six (3 from the 42km-men and 3 Women) and the same number in the 21km will get a prize of proper running shoes which they can use in the subsequent runs. To qualify to earn a prize one must be a recreational runner who has before participated in at least one of the Kampala-Entebbe monthly runs organized by Team Matooke.

“The biggest cause is we want people to challenge themselves physically through the difference routes of the 42, 21, 10 and 5km that will start at the Entebbe Cricket Oval. People are free to come with their family members, hang out and stay at the oval,” Kabushenga stated.

“We also want to offer the running community and their families a unique opportunity to celebrate Independence Day as an important historical occasion. If we have this way of celebrating, it keeps this in the minds of the public and can be passed on to future generations to understand the importance of independence. It should go beyond official functions.”

He said that, depending on the sponsorship they receive, they could offer cash prizes to the best senior runners (aged 55 years and above), as well as sponsor the top male and female from the 42km to participate in an international run, which will also be determined at a later stage.