6000 register for MTN Kampala marathon
Nov 20, 2007
A RECORD 6,015 runners have registered for next month’s competitive and charity races of the MTN Kampala International marathon. The figure is 2,000 more competitors than last year’s race and have helped raise over sh30m to help expectant mothers in the war torn Northern Region through the mama
By Norman Katende
A RECORD 6,015 runners have registered for next month’s competitive and charity races of the MTN Kampala International marathon.
The figure is 2,000 more competitors than last year’s race and have helped raise over sh30m to help expectant mothers in the war torn Northern Region through the mama bag project and for a ‘Return Home’ kit.
Over 3,000 registered in the last four days, but any hope that the registration deadline would be postponed, were dashed when organisers closed yesterday. Organisers argued that they needed time to process equipment and kit.
MTN Senior manager Philip Besiimire insisted that those who had not registered should wait for next year’s edition.
“We have hit the required target of 6,000 participants. In fact we had registered 6,015 entrants by Saturday. There is no way we can again open up as this will have an impact in the anticipated number,†said Besiimire yesterday.
While a majority of the runners will compete in charity or corporate races, the marathon and half-marathon proper is fast becoming one of East Africa’s most competitive events. Last year’s edition of the main 42.1km race was won by Isaiah Kosgei from Kenya. Uganda’s Jane Suuto won the women’s race.
A RECORD 6,015 runners have registered for next month’s competitive and charity races of the MTN Kampala International marathon.
The figure is 2,000 more competitors than last year’s race and have helped raise over sh30m to help expectant mothers in the war torn Northern Region through the mama bag project and for a ‘Return Home’ kit.
Over 3,000 registered in the last four days, but any hope that the registration deadline would be postponed, were dashed when organisers closed yesterday. Organisers argued that they needed time to process equipment and kit.
MTN Senior manager Philip Besiimire insisted that those who had not registered should wait for next year’s edition.
“We have hit the required target of 6,000 participants. In fact we had registered 6,015 entrants by Saturday. There is no way we can again open up as this will have an impact in the anticipated number,†said Besiimire yesterday.
While a majority of the runners will compete in charity or corporate races, the marathon and half-marathon proper is fast becoming one of East Africa’s most competitive events. Last year’s edition of the main 42.1km race was won by Isaiah Kosgei from Kenya. Uganda’s Jane Suuto won the women’s race.