Thousands turned up for the eleventh annual MTN Kampala Marathon that was flagged off at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds earlier this morning.
With President Yoweri Museveni’s campaign banners still visible at the ceremonial grounds, someone would be forgiven for mistaking this for a museveni rally as his NRM party and telecom giants MTN share the colour yellow.
The theme for this year’s run was “Running for Kampala.” “Funds from this will be used for implementation of innovative climate resilient, environmentally smart bio-toilet technology in a number of selected primary schools in Kampala,” says MTN Uganda CEO Brian Goldie.
He was joined by the Kampala Capital City Authority Executive Director Jennifer Musisi to flag off the runners.
Kenya’s Eliud Cheptei won the marathon, clocking two hours, 19:55 minutes. He bagged Shs16m as prize money.
Another Kenyan Joseph Biwott took second position while Uganda’s Peter Kibet came third.
Kenya’s Rael Kimaiyo won the women’s category clocking 2:47:55.
In the women’s 21 kilometre category, Uganda’s Emily Chebet emerged winner, followed by namesake Rachel Chebet and Doreen Chemtai to round of the top three.
In the men’s 21 kilometre category, Kenyan Charles Kwemoi reigned supreme, followed by Isaac Chipsang and Felix Chemonges.
There was lots entertainment from the likes of Pallaso, Prof. Big Eye and Grace Nakimera among other acts.
