On Tuesday, 15th October, MTN Uganda together with its partners Huawei, Stanbic bank, New Vision, Rwenzori and Spedag Interfreight announced the 2019 edition of the MTN Kampala Marathon.
The MTN Kampala Marathon, now in its 16th year has been a mainstay on the Ugandan sports calendar giving participants “A GOOD REASON TO RUN” because apart from running for health and fitness, they get to contribute towards a community benefiting project. The proceeds from this year’s marathon will go towards improving maternal health services across the country.
“There are an estimated 336 deaths per 100,000 live births making Uganda’s maternal mortality one of the highest in the world. The proceeds from the marathon and regional runs will be used to upgrade/improve maternal services in health centre IV facilities across the country,” said Sen Somdev, MTN Uganda Ag. Chief Marketing Officer.
“80% of the maternal and newborn deaths are preventable with the implementation of known evidence based high impact interventions and these are the interventions that the proceeds from the marathon will be dedicated to implementing. And that’s a good reason to run.” He added.
Launched 15 years ago, the MTN Kampala Marathon has raised close to UGX 3bn which has benefitted several causes and communities; from helping expectant mothers and resettling people displaced by war in northern Uganda, relocating mudslide victims in Bududa, to delivering clean water and improving sanitation in communities/schools, and most recently improving the state of maternal health services. The MTN Marathon has and pledges to continue playing its role in connecting and uniting Ugandans to causes that make a difference in the lives of thousands (if not millions) across the country.
The 2019 edition of the MTN Kampala Marathon will be held on Sunday 24th November starting at the Kololo independence grounds with runners participating in either of 4 categories including; the full marathon (42Km), half marathon (21Km), 10Km race and 5Km wheelchair race/fun run.
Previously, the wheelchair race was held a weekend before the main marathon event however, this year both races will take place on the same day to foster inclusiveness.
This year, the MTN Kampala Marathon will be preceded by regional runs in the towns of Soroti, Arua and Masaka on Sunday 3rd, 10th and 17th November respectively. Registration for these runs will be UGX 10,000 cash or UGX 8,000/- per runner using MTN MoMoPay and the proceeds will be utilized for the same cause in the same communities.
Special attention has also been made to ensure every participant has a vest that fits and enables a comfortable running experience.
Key Dates and Registration Details of the 2019 MTN Marathon Season
“We are proud to be a part of the MTN Kampala marathon, a partnership we have embraced over the last 5 years. With this 250m sponsorship, we reiterate our commitment to keep working with MTN and supporting them as they deliver services that improve delivery of maternal health services to Ugandan women. It is always a great honour for Vision Group to be a part of such sustainable projects that ensure that Ugandans are given a better livelihood” – Robert Kabushenga, CEO Vision Group
“It is a pleasure to be here today as we once again partner with MTN on the marathon. Our relationship with MTN and this prestigious marathon dates back many years. This is mainly because of the value that we attach to this marathon and to the thousands of Ugandans who have benefited from the different causes over the years.” –General Manager for Coca-Cola Beverages Africa
“This is the eighth time Huawei is participating in this meaningful event as a partner. We have previously participated in this event under the Theme “Run for Water” and ‘Run for Kampala’, ‘Run for maternal health’ and ‘fighting cancer in schools’ which have been of a benefit to Karamoja and Kampala respectively. We pledge our continuous support at every opportunity given to us to make Uganda a better place as we continue bringing digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world. We are committed to growing with our customer MTN as we explore new opportunities to pave a way forward for the industry and Uganda at large” – Mr. Liu Jiawei, Managing Director Huawei Uganda
“We are extremely proud to be partnering with MTN once again in what is truly a world class event that attracts both elite athletes and fun runners from across the country and the globe. Stanbic Bank Uganda has been key long-term partner and supporter of the MTN Kampala Marathon since its inception 16 years ago. This year, we have made a significant contribution of UGX 250 Million towards efforts to improve maternal health in Uganda. Women across the country especially in rural areas of Uganda face multiple barriers to accessing critical routine and lifesaving maternal health care. We would like to contribute to improving these conditions to ensure safe childbirth for women” – Emma Mugisha, Head of Corporate and Investment Banking Stanbic Bank Uganda
“The marathon had modest beginnings in 2004 and since then we have evolved to what many of you experience to-date. We welcome all participants, their families and friends to experience the runs in Soroti, Arua, Masaka and Kampala. We shall endeavour and sincerely hope that everyone returns home as a champion. We urge all participants to prepare accordingly for the race. The Federation will provide all technical expertise towards the success of the race” – Domenic Otucet, President of Uganda Athletics Federation
Update on Implementation of the 2018 Proceeds
UGX 633 million raised from 2018 MTN Kampala Marathon and Regional Runs with another top up of UGX 400 million from the MTN Foundation, all together totaling UGX 1.33 billion has been invested towards Improving maternal health in Bulambuli, Pakwach, Ntoroko, Kalangala and Kawempe Health Centre IV facilities. The MTN Foundation is working with the Ministry of Health and UNFPA as the implementing partner on the completion of these projects which will be commissioned by the end of 2019.
