MTN marathon grows from 1,500 to 25,000 runners
Nov 20, 2019
This year’s marathon due this Sunday has hit a record 25,000 entries.
The MTN Kampala Marathon in 2006. File Photo
Year Participants
2004-1500 runners
2005-2500 runners
2006-3500 runners
2007-6500 runners
2008-12,000 runners
2009-15,000 runners
2010-17,000runners
2011- 20,000runners
2012- 20,000 runner
2013 to 2019 Above 20,000 runners.
From a humble beginning of just 1,500 runners, the MTN Marathon has grown into one of Africa's biggest events.
This year's marathon due this Sunday has hit a record 25,000 entries.
MTN Uganda Chief Executive Wim Vanhelleputte's revealed yesterday that this year's kit has sold out.
Kazoora and former Minister John Nasasira take on each other in the Marathon in 2006. File Photo
Vanhelleputte had paid a courtesy call to the Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga to hand over 200 pieces of the kit for the legislators.
The marathon has in recent years according to organisers consistently attracted over 20,000 participants. This is, however, the first time that MTN officially come out to state that 25,000 kits have been sold.
This is a huge improvement from 1500 entrants in the inaugural edition of the annual event.
Vision Group CEO Robert Kabushenga takes part in the MTN Marathon in 2006. File Photo
Apart from the entries, a number of other things have also evolved. Amongst this is the start off and finishing points.
The run initially had its flag-off and finish at Parliamentary avenue. Thereafter these points shifted to Lugogo.
Proceeds from the marathon have over the years also evolved starting assistance to people in Internally Displaced Camps in Northern Uganda.
Ministers took part in the race in 2006. File Photo
Clean water has also been accessed after projects in Eastern and Western Uganda started with money from the marathon.
Proceeds from this year's marathon will go towards the improvement of maternal health. The marathon is today Uganda's biggest social event.
Runners in 2017 MTN Marathon
Vision Group, Stanbic, Huawei, Rwenzori, Uganda Athletics Federation, and Uganda Police are some of the marathon key partners.
World and Olympic champion Stephen Kiprotich and double Commonwealth and African champion Moses Kipsiro are some of the big names that have featured in the annual race.
Runners in 2017 MTN Marathon
The race also attracts a big international entry. Prominent amongst these are the Kenyans who have dominated the podium.
There will be five, 10, 21, 42 kilometers and a wheelchair race all flagged off at the National Ceremonial Ground, Kololo.