KENYANS DOMINATE THE MTN KAMPALA MARATHON ONCE AGAIN
(Posted 25th November 2014)
Dominic Kimwetich won his second MTN Kampala Marathon in a row when he beat a large field of runners in unusually cool conditions, followed by another Kenyan runner with a Ugandan coming third. The half marathon however was an exclusive Ugandan affair on the winners podium as all three top positions were taken by the home boys. In the ladies full marathon did Kenya’s Glady Chepchirchir claim the winners’ medal, followed by two more Kenyan runners making this once again an all Kenyan affair too. The women’s half marathon though, like for the men, was again a Ugandan One Two Three on the podium, showing the growing talent in Uganda for long distance running, many of course inspired by Olympic and World Champion Stephen Kiprotich whose success on the international stage produced a rush of youngsters also joining the athletics sports teams across the country.
The two full marathon winners, besides honours and medals, also claimed MTN’s top prize of 14 million Uganda Shillings each.
This year’s theme was ‘Running for Water’ as shown on the poster above, raising funds to provide in particular rural and impoverished urban areas with sources of safe drinking water. Congratulations to the winners, to all the participants who finished the race, to the Uganda Police and other security forces for keeping the route and spectators arenas safe and to MTN for once again staging an event which has over the years brought top international marathon runners to Kampala to compete in the event.
Meanwhile was the annual Nile Marathon in Jinja, many had asked over the past few months what happened to that event, postponed due to logistical difficulties and will now take place in 2014. Be sure to watch this space for updates, as and when available.
