MTN’s Y’ello marathon
Nov 21, 2005
Painting the city yellow may sound far-fetched and all we can say is that the MTN Kampala Marathon on Sunday attracted over 2,000 runners.
By Jude Katende
Painting the city yellow may sound far-fetched and all we can say is that the MTN Kampala Marathon on Sunday attracted over 2,000 runners.
Flagged off by Hon. John Nasasira at Parliamentary Avenue, celebrities, politicians, international athletes, musicians and wannabes caught the y’ello fever and stretched their muscles in the 42km and 10km races. The races that raised sh25m had the 42km participants flagged off at 7:10am.
Sections of the routes were barred from motorists although impatient ones hooted relentlessly for the traffic cops to release them as athletes ‘snailed’ on. A joyous but worn out Margaret Nakintu thanked Jesus for her win.
Although short, the 10km race was actually gruelling especially for some of us who rarely run. From Parliamentary Avenue down Nasser, Entebbe, Gaba, Mukwano, Centenary Park, Acacia Avenue, Wandegeya, Bombo Road, Constitutional Square, Kampala Road and back to the Parliamentary Avenue was thrilling and challenging. Portly men and women gasped for air, drank mineral water and took glucose to make sure they complete the race.
Others collapsed on the way and were assisted by Red Cross and an MTN service van. Cultural groups like Watmon, Tebifana Abifuna, MTN’s M-Lisada brass band and an acrobatics troupe entertained participants.
The New Vision boss William Pike led his team, which included Paul Busharizi, Steven Candia, Joseph Kabuleeta, Gloria Mukiibi, Geoffrey Kulubya, Jude Katende, Robert Kiwendo and Sam Kyagulanyi.
Other runners included Standard Chartered Bank MD, David Cutting, Dr. Ian Clarke, WBS’ Peter Odeke, Mega Dee, Nvannungi (artistes), Bina Baby, Karitas and Ruth Kalibala (radio presenters). Nine-year-old Arafat Ngobi completed the race and got a medal of recognition. Corporate companies received plaques for participating and sponsoring the event while sports scribes from various media houses also received plaques. The New Vision had six scribes in this category. Final results of the marathon are as follows:
42km Marathon
(Men) L. Moiben
(Women) Margaret Nakintu
10km Individuals
(Men) Wilson Kipkimei
(Women) Chemisto
10km Over 40 years old category
(Men) Obadiah Nkabi — 40yrs (Women) Grace Bataringaya – 44yrs
10km Corporate challenge Fotogenix
10km Wheelchair category (Men) Majidu Kawooya (Women) Vasita Kyalimpa
Painting the city yellow may sound far-fetched and all we can say is that the MTN Kampala Marathon on Sunday attracted over 2,000 runners.
Flagged off by Hon. John Nasasira at Parliamentary Avenue, celebrities, politicians, international athletes, musicians and wannabes caught the y’ello fever and stretched their muscles in the 42km and 10km races. The races that raised sh25m had the 42km participants flagged off at 7:10am.
Sections of the routes were barred from motorists although impatient ones hooted relentlessly for the traffic cops to release them as athletes ‘snailed’ on. A joyous but worn out Margaret Nakintu thanked Jesus for her win.
Although short, the 10km race was actually gruelling especially for some of us who rarely run. From Parliamentary Avenue down Nasser, Entebbe, Gaba, Mukwano, Centenary Park, Acacia Avenue, Wandegeya, Bombo Road, Constitutional Square, Kampala Road and back to the Parliamentary Avenue was thrilling and challenging. Portly men and women gasped for air, drank mineral water and took glucose to make sure they complete the race.
Others collapsed on the way and were assisted by Red Cross and an MTN service van. Cultural groups like Watmon, Tebifana Abifuna, MTN’s M-Lisada brass band and an acrobatics troupe entertained participants.
The New Vision boss William Pike led his team, which included Paul Busharizi, Steven Candia, Joseph Kabuleeta, Gloria Mukiibi, Geoffrey Kulubya, Jude Katende, Robert Kiwendo and Sam Kyagulanyi.
Other runners included Standard Chartered Bank MD, David Cutting, Dr. Ian Clarke, WBS’ Peter Odeke, Mega Dee, Nvannungi (artistes), Bina Baby, Karitas and Ruth Kalibala (radio presenters). Nine-year-old Arafat Ngobi completed the race and got a medal of recognition. Corporate companies received plaques for participating and sponsoring the event while sports scribes from various media houses also received plaques. The New Vision had six scribes in this category. Final results of the marathon are as follows:
42km Marathon
(Men) L. Moiben
(Women) Margaret Nakintu
10km Individuals
(Men) Wilson Kipkimei
(Women) Chemisto
10km Over 40 years old category
(Men) Obadiah Nkabi — 40yrs (Women) Grace Bataringaya – 44yrs
10km Corporate challenge Fotogenix
10km Wheelchair category (Men) Majidu Kawooya (Women) Vasita Kyalimpa