Mbarara Rotary TV West Marathon launched

PIC: The upcoming marathon was launched at the TV West offices in Mbarara. (Credit: Edwin Ram)

Vision Group's Mbarara-based TV West and Mbarara Municipal council have teamed up with the Rotary Club of Mbarara to launch the first edition of the Mbarara Rotary TV West Marathon.

The aim is to rally runners to raise funds to refurbish the maternity ward at Mbarara municipal council health center IV.

The marathon will take place on March 25 and will be flagged off at Mbarara Children's Peace House at Rotary House.

Allan Asingwire, the Rotary Club chairman, said the campaign is looking to raise over 500m to renovate the health facility.

"The objective of Rotary Club is to improve the health conditions around us," he said.

"We found that the centre needed public help for the maternal and child health care that includes beds, lockers, mattresses and other things. It's what we want to achieve as we celebrate two years."

The marathon will be held under the theme: Running for Safe Motherhood. As many as 10,000 participants are expected, including elite runners from different parts of the country.

The Mayor of Mbarara, Mugabe Robert Kakyebezi, who launched the marathon at TV West offices, was the first to register.

He called on Ugandans to register for the event in large numbers for the 21km, 10km and 5km races.

The launch was attended by municipal officials, district health team and Rotary Club members.

TV West station manager Ronald Santana said: "We are extremely proud and excited to partner with Rotary Club of Mbarara to organize such a big event to support deliverable and sustainable projects to bring about a remarkable difference in the community."

Are you interested? You can register and buy a ticket (sh20,000) at the following points in Mbarara:

- TV West offices in Boma

- Nakumatt Mbarara

- Kirimi Supermarket

- Golf Course Supermarket

- Day Today Shopping Centre

- Bishop Stuart University

- Mbarara municipal council

- Rotary Club office, Mbarara