MTN launches 2016 Kampala Marathon

By Our Reporter

MTN Uganda has today launched the 13th edition of the annual Kampala Marathon. This year, the telecom in partnership with the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) aims to raise funds for the implementation of improved sanitation facilities for pupils in selected public primary schools. Proceeds from the marathon will be used for the construction of environmentally friendly smart bio-toilet facilities.

Under the theme ‘Run for Kampala’, the marathon this year is an extension of the campaign initiated last year and is expected to attract 20,000 participants. Together with partners Stanbic Bank, Huawei, New Vision, Rwenzori Mineral water, the MTN Kampala Marathon promises some big attractions this year with registration inquiries coming from as far as the Netherlands. In association with the Uganda Athletic Federation (UAF) and supported by the Uganda Police, this 13th edition of the marathon promises to be an exciting mix of fun and competitive running.

One of the activities in preparation for the Sunday 20th November 2016 event include a Kapchorwa – Kampala run relay that will feature runners from the athletics heartland of Uganda. With support from the New Vision and the other MTN marathon partners, a not-for-profit organization from Netherlands – From Coach to Coach- has organized this fun relay. It is aimed at raising awareness and support for the budding talent in Kapchorwa region of Uganda. This run will feature some of the big names in Ugandan athletics.

Over the last 13 years, 170,000 entrants have participated in the MTN Kampala Marathon and have raised money in excess of Ushs 1.8 billion to help people in less privileged communities. Collections from previous events have been used in a number of projects; in the early years towards the provision of ‘Mama Bags’ to expectant mothers in the Internally Displaced People’s camps in Gulu and most recently to different water and sanitation projects around the country including Kotido, Karamoja, Amuria and Kiryandongo in Masindi.

Addressing the media at the telecom’s headquarters in Kampala, MTN CEO Wim Vanhelleputte urged the public to register and participate in what has grown to become Uganda’s biggest Marathon.

“Participation will go a long way in mobilizing funds that are improving the wellbeing of children in less privileged areas of our communities. Apart from improved sanitation, this project has the added benefits of environment friendly bio gas units that will be used in preparing meals for pupils and a rain water harvesting facilities that will improve access to clean water. People run in the marathon for a number of reasons. MTN and partners are proud to give the public a platform to express whatever reason they have through the run.