Entebbe Marathon targets international runners

Entebbe Mayor Vincent De Paul Kayanja wants the Entebbe Marathon to attract international runners starting with the second edition next year.

Kayanja was addressing the press after the completion of the inaugural edition of the Marathon in Entebbe on Sunday.

"We intend to turn this into an international marathon by inviting foreign runners to participate. Proceeds from next year's marathon will focus on UPE schools; from the only marathon that feeds into other marathons," Kayanja stated.

Felix Ekikana, John Kateregga and Jacob Araptai won their races in the 42, 21 and 10km races and will consequently represent Uganda at the Wuhan Marathon in China next month after emerging top on Sunday.

Ekikana clocked 2:15:38 to win the 42km race while Kateregga and Araptai made1:07:24 and 29:30:8 to win the 21 and 10km races respectively to guarantee themselves places for the all-expenses trip where they stand to win more cash. The winner of the Wuhan City Marathon bags in excess of sh200m.

The Entebbe marathon is held as part of preparation for the main Wuhan Marathon under a partnership Entebbe Municipality has with the Chinese city. 

Entebbe Mayor Vincent De Paul Kayanja (C) and Chinese Ambassador to Uganda Zheng Zhuqiang arrive for the Entebbe Marathon at Botanical Gardens Entebbe. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Robert Lubega (2:16:10) and Alfred Kiptoyek (2:18:12) finished second and third in the marathon where Hellen Chemutai (3:08:53) and Dorcus Inzikuru (3:22:50) were the best female runners.

Hundreds of other runners including Entebbe DPC Godfrey Ninsiima, Mayor Vincent De Paul Kayanja and sponsors China Communication Construction Company (CCCC) deputy country manager Joseph Zheng Biao braved the morning rain to participate in the charity marathon and run that were flagged off by Chinese ambassador to Uganda Zheng Zhuqiang.

Proceeds from the run will go towards helping underprivileged children and their single mothers under the Modesta Foundation in Entebbe.

Entebbe Mayor Kayanja thanked the sponsors CCCC and Africa Gold Refinery and the many other sponsors for bankrolling the now annual event that will be held at every weekend of February. 

RESULTS

42km-Men

Felix Ekikana       2:15:38

Robert Lubega     2:16:10

Alfred Kiptoyek   2:18:12

42km - Women

Hellen Chemutai  3:08:53

Dorcus Inzikuru   3:22:50

21km -Men

John Kateregga    1:07:24

Vitalis Kwemoi    1:07:29

Felix Chemonges  1:07:38

10km - men

Jacob Araptai   29:30:08

Abel Sikowa    29:31:06

Isaac Kibet       30:39:09

10km- women

Rispa Chebet   35.46:06

Janet Achola    35:59:06

Annet Chesang 36:48:07

5km-Men

Ronald Musalu 20:12:06

Lawence Omicha 20:39:09

Michael Mutanda 20:42:09

5km - Women

Jane Mirembe 21:50:09

Betty Kirabo   22:16:05

Mastula Berth 23:11:06