The second Afrika Mashariki Fest (AMF) half marathon has received a boost from Ethiopian Airlines.

Abebe Angessa, the airlines’ Uganda Country Manager today handed over eight tickets to the organisers.

The tickets, worth sh15m, will be used by a team of elite Ethiopian runners for the May 29 run in Kampala.

The annual run is one of several activities organized by a youth organization AMF to boost East Africa’s regional integration awareness.

“We are glad to partner with this youth group in this regional integration initiative. Such activities are also in line with our corporate social responsibility,” stated Angessa.

Angessa will also run the 21 kilometers. “I have already began preparations for the long race. I call upon more people to register.”

The day’s events will also include a 1 km run for children and 10km race. Registration is at Constitutional Square, City Hall, Aga Khan University Hospital and Nakumatt Accacia.

Receiving the offer, AMF Chief Executive Ronex Kisembo couldn’t hide his excitement.

“We are indeed humbled. The offer will go a long way in helping the function succeed.”

Tanzanian High Commissioner Ladislaus Komba kicked off the registration on Sunday at Nakumatt, Accacia.

A total of 2000 participants entered the inaugural run last year. Flag-off and finish will again be at the national ceremonial grounds, Kololo.

This year’s events will include awards where individuals and organisations who have played key roles in the integration will be recognized.

The awards will be presented at a dinner at Speke Resort Munyonyo.

“It is our sincere belief that these awards will have an impact in motivating stakeholders in the integration process,” explained AMF chief executive Ronex Kisembo.

Afrika Mashariki Fest is a regional integration, non-partisan voluntary youth platform that believes the youth must be the vanguard of the EAC integration.