MTN Marathon, the hottest race for Kampalans
Nov 09, 2006
The MTN Kampala Interna<br>tional Marathon, known for stretching the muscles of the corporate workaholics, is here again and several firms have registered to take part.
By Jude Katende
The MTN Kampala Interna
tional Marathon, known for stretching the muscles of the corporate workaholics, is here again and several firms have registered to take part.
MTN Uganda’s publicist Tina Byaruhanga said at the close of registration last week, over 3,000 people had expressed interest in the event, slated for November 19.
Proceeds from the marathon will go towards the Mama Bag Appeal, which is aimed at providing decent healthcare for expectant mothers in internally displace people’s camps.
For all his weight, Kwashie Gbedemah, the director of foods and beverages, will captain Sheraton Kampala Hotel’s five-man team. Gbedemah promised to give doubting people a run for their money. “I will overtake those who think I am too big to run,†he said.
Considering that many like him dropped out in the early stages of last year’s marathon, the top chef said he would not take chances. He has since embarked on jogging while paying heed to Dr. Flavio Pasqualato’s New Vision tips on the marathon.
Like last year, co-sponsors, The New Vision, have again entered a strong team.
The 10-km stretch looks simple but for those who do not jog regularly, it can be a teasing experience. Last year, many gave up at Mukwano Road and settled for glucose and mineral water.
No wonder at the marathon’s official website (www.kampalamarathon.com), athletes for the 42-km race were advised to train for at least three months to prepare their bodies for the physical strain.
The 10-km open road race is run on a relatively flat circuit around the city and it is just fun. Times posted in this category cannot be used to qualify for other international events because it is not an IAAF certified race.
The race includes a master’s category for persons above 50 years and a Corporate Challenge, which is a five-man team event, run for charity.
Prizes range from sh1.4m for the first athlete and sh0.15m for the fifth. Those above 50 years will win sh0.5m while the Corporate Challenge winner bags sh1.5m. Prizes will go to a charity of the winner’s choice.
For the 42-km race, the top 10 will win cash prizes ranging from sh5m to sh0.15m. The wheelchair race will be on the same circuit as the 10km race. However, participants must use hand powered non-motorised wheelchairs. Three winners in this category will be rewarded sh1.4m, sh0.7m and sh0.4m, respectively.
Sponsors include New Vision, DHL, True African, Rwenzori Beverages, Saracen, Uganda Red Cross Society and Uhuru Catering Services.
The MTN Kampala Interna
tional Marathon, known for stretching the muscles of the corporate workaholics, is here again and several firms have registered to take part.
MTN Uganda’s publicist Tina Byaruhanga said at the close of registration last week, over 3,000 people had expressed interest in the event, slated for November 19.
Proceeds from the marathon will go towards the Mama Bag Appeal, which is aimed at providing decent healthcare for expectant mothers in internally displace people’s camps.
For all his weight, Kwashie Gbedemah, the director of foods and beverages, will captain Sheraton Kampala Hotel’s five-man team. Gbedemah promised to give doubting people a run for their money. “I will overtake those who think I am too big to run,†he said.
Considering that many like him dropped out in the early stages of last year’s marathon, the top chef said he would not take chances. He has since embarked on jogging while paying heed to Dr. Flavio Pasqualato’s New Vision tips on the marathon.
Like last year, co-sponsors, The New Vision, have again entered a strong team.
The 10-km stretch looks simple but for those who do not jog regularly, it can be a teasing experience. Last year, many gave up at Mukwano Road and settled for glucose and mineral water.
No wonder at the marathon’s official website (www.kampalamarathon.com), athletes for the 42-km race were advised to train for at least three months to prepare their bodies for the physical strain.
The 10-km open road race is run on a relatively flat circuit around the city and it is just fun. Times posted in this category cannot be used to qualify for other international events because it is not an IAAF certified race.
The race includes a master’s category for persons above 50 years and a Corporate Challenge, which is a five-man team event, run for charity.
Prizes range from sh1.4m for the first athlete and sh0.15m for the fifth. Those above 50 years will win sh0.5m while the Corporate Challenge winner bags sh1.5m. Prizes will go to a charity of the winner’s choice.
For the 42-km race, the top 10 will win cash prizes ranging from sh5m to sh0.15m. The wheelchair race will be on the same circuit as the 10km race. However, participants must use hand powered non-motorised wheelchairs. Three winners in this category will be rewarded sh1.4m, sh0.7m and sh0.4m, respectively.
Sponsors include New Vision, DHL, True African, Rwenzori Beverages, Saracen, Uganda Red Cross Society and Uhuru Catering Services.