Weather is conducive for MTN marathon
Nov 18, 2015
The prevailing cold weather provides runners a golden opportunity to break marathon records, experts have said.
By James Bakama
MTN Marathon
Sunday, 7am
The prevailing cold weather provides runners a golden opportunity to break marathon records, experts have said.
Participants in the MTN Kampala marathon on Sunday should therefore be able to post better times.
“This is the ideal weather to break records,” said national long distance coach Benjamin Longiros.
The rainy season has had Kampala’s temperatures fluctuating between 18 degrees to 20 degrees centigrade.
“It is also not humid or windy. So we have perfect conditions to clock good times,” stated Longiros.
Kenya’s Dominic Kimwetic holds the course record at two hours 15 minutes.
Stephen Kiprotich holds Uganda’s marathon record at 2:06:33. He set it at the Tokyo marathon in February.
The women’s record is held by Jane Suuto. She ran 2:37:43 in France in 2011.
Kampala’s hills that cover some sections of the MTN marathon route however make it hard to break the national records.
Another coach Gordon Ahimbisibwe has however urged runners not to be discouraged.
“Even if you don’t break the national record, you can improve your time on this course. That in itself would be a big achievement.”
This year’s MTN race will also serve as a qualifier for the world half marathon championship due next year in Cardiff.
Proceeds from the MTN race will this year go towards improving health in Kampala’s public schools. Uganda’s leading media house New Vision, Huawei, Stanbic Bank, Rwenzori and national athletics body UAF have again partnered with MTN to organise the marathon.
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