The 2013 MTN Kampala Marathon has received varied accolades from participants for the impeccable planning and seamless organization of the event. Specifically sited was the good security and the organisation of the flag off of runners in the different categories that resulted to less confusion and stampede at the flag off points compared to subsequent Marathons.
This year 18,887 individuals officially registered for the MTN Kampala Marathon but the overall number of actual runners far exceeded 20,000. The MTN Kampala Marathon has become the largest event on both the sporting and social calendars of Uganda. This has been the largest number of participants since its inception 10 years ago.
Participants also acknowledged the fact that there was enough water for all of them and a few added their gratitude for snacks like popcorn to snack on after the race. Others were appreciative of the great parking arrangement and tight security put in place for the safety of the runners particularly at a time when security has been of great concern for all.
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MTN CEO Mazen Mroué extended appreciation to all participants in the 2013 MTN Kampala Marathon saying that their zeal to run for a good cause has demonstrated commitment among the human race to make life better for the less privileged people of Karamoja who are the beneficiaries of this year’s MTN Kampala Marathon proceeds.
He particularly thanked the partners in this year’s Marathon which included Huawei, New Vision, Stanbic Bank and Rwenzori Mineral Water. He also applauded the Uganda Police, the various Security Agencies, the Uganda Red Cross and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) for their endorsement of the event and their respective roles in ensuring the success of this year’s Marathon. Last but not least he thanked the Uganda Athletics Federation for their partnership in this year’s Marathon as well as during the last 10 editions.
Mroué said that the function was such a success because of the particular dedication from the committed MTN Staff that worked through a dedicated Project Team to ensure that every aspect of the event was covered.
MTN Uganda’s Chief Marketing Officer, Ernst Fonternel said, “We take pride in the fact that the MTN Kampala Marathon is now Uganda’s largest sporting event however we are more pleased that every participant paid attention to the more significant fact that we can join hands to give back to societies we live and work in and change the lives of thousands of Ugandans.
He added that MTN Uganda is committed to ensure that the MTN Kampala Marathon continues to grow and to attract runners from both Uganda and the region. He noted that it is fulfilling to know that the event is used to collect proceeds that go to noble and sustainable causes that positively impact the people in the communities where MTN operates.
“We have dedicated ourselves to ensuring that we support the cause of improving the society we live in by harnessing the passion that we as Ugandans have within ourselves. MTN Uganda is committed to remain a responsible citizen through a number of Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives and the MTN Kampala Marathon is my personal favourite”.
Participation in the MTN Kampala Marathon is a personal achievement for the runners and continues to attract great numbers not only from within Uganda but as the event grows, the number of international participants also grows.
So far over 120,000 entrants have run the MTN Kampala Marathon over the last ten years and have raised close to UShs. 1.4 billion which includes UShs. 400 million that has been earmarked in the 2013 edition of the Marathon. This year, all the proceeds will go towards taking clean and safe water to the people of Karamoja through WaterAid Uganda as the implementing partner.
“All the participants of MTN Kampala Marathon are heroes because they run, and they run knowing that there is a benefit for others” Mroué concluded.
Notable figures in this year’s Marathon included the Inspector General of Police General Kale Kayihura who flagged off the 42km and 21 km races and also participated in the 10km race. The Olympic Gold Medalist Stephen Kiprotich also attended the event and flagged off the 10km race. They both commended MTN Uganda and its partners for this great and noble cause.
The details of the final winners of the 10th Edition of the MTN Kampala Marathon are as below:
Men 42km
- D. Kimwetic (Kenya) won Ushs. 14 million
- P. Matheka (Kenya) won Ushs. 7 million
- P. Cherotwo (Uganda) won Ushs. 3.5 million
Women 42 km
- G. Chepchirchir (Kenya) won Ushs. 14 million
- R. Kiboino (Kenya) won Ushs. 7 million
- S. Jemutai (Kenya) won Ushs. 3.5 million
Men 21km
- D. Rotich (Uganda)
- M.Kibet (Uganda)
- E. Chepkorom (Uganda)
Women 21km
- L. Toroitich (Uganda)
- A. Chebet (Uganda)
- D. Chesang (Uganda)
Men 10km
- P. Kipyeko (Uganda)
- S. Mande (Uganda)
- B. Somikwo (Uganda)
Women 10km
- N . Cheptegei (Uganda)
- R. Chebet (Uganda)
- P. Chekwemoi (Uganda)
“[katogoaward]”