The change in the route of the 21kms half marathon and 42kms marathon for the MTN Kampala Marathon is predicted to improve the time put up by elite runners. According to the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF), the new routes have reduced hills and also avoided high traffic areas that often play a role in the times put up by the athletes. The 15th edition of the MTN Kampala Marathon takes place this Sunday, 25th November 2018 starting at the Kololo Airstrip.
“We have ensured that the new route has fewer hills and with that, we expect to see some improved times put up during the MTN Kampala Marathon. Several athletes did come to us and explain that the route had many hills. We have listened to them and reduced the hills so now the expectation is improved time,” explains Faustino Kiwa, the Organising Secretary at UAF.
In the previous editions of the MTN Kampala Marathon, athletes have also had to go as far as Bwaise and the Northern Bypass. This has posed several logistical challenges for the organisers. This is in terms of security and ensuring that the traffic flow is managed for athletes to have a good running experience.
“For the 42kms runners, we are going to have a circuit. There is a section of 16.5kilometeres that the athletes will have to run twice. That is what we’ve called the circuit. For spectators, it is also an opportunity to see some of the runners twice since they’ll be going around part of the route twice,” Kiwa adds.
In 2017, the winner in the Men’s category Sammy Kip-Ngetich Kurgat from Kenya of the 42kms marathon completed it in 2hours 19 minutes and 5 seconds whereas Kimaiyo Rael Jepyator from Kenya won the Women’s category in 1 hour 58 minutes and 14 seconds.
Kiwa also noted that there will be a 20 minute split in the start time, with the 42kms runners flagged off first, followed by the 21kms runners.
For the 10kms runners, the route remains the same. According to MTN Uganda, the proceeds for the MTN Kampala Marathon are going to support the improvement of maternal health.
Kit collection and physical registration are also ongoing at MTN Headquarters at the former BAT building, Stanbic Garden City, William Street, MTN Service Centres along Kampala Road, Lugogo Mall, Clock Tower, Forest Mall, and Victoria Mall in Entebbe. Physical registration will cost Shs25,000 per kit and will be ongoing until 23rd November 2018.