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MTN launches 2016 Kampala Marathon, focuses on sanitation

mtn-marathon-launch
Sponsors of the MTN marathon talk to the press at the launch today

MTN Uganda has launched the 13th edition of the annual Kampala Marathon. This year’s marathon aims to raise funds for the implementation of improved sanitation facilities for pupils through the construction of environmentally friendly smart bio-toilet facilities.

In partnership with the KCCA, a number of selected public primary schools in the outskirts of Kampala have already been identified to benefit from the fund.

The 2016 MTN Kampala Marathon November 20 will follow the theme “Run for Kampala”, an extension of the campaign initiated last year and is expected to attract 20,000 participants.

Over the last 13 years, 170,000 entrants have participated in the MTN Kampala Marathon and have raised in excess of Sh1.8 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.

“Your participation (the public) will go a long way in mobilising funds that are improving the well-being of children in the less privileged areas of our communities,” MTN CEO Wim Vanhelleputte said at the launch in Kampala on Tuesday.

“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,” he stated.

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 internationally recognised MTN Kampala 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.

A not-for-profit organization from Netherlands – From Coach to Coach has organized this fun relay; to raise awareness and support for the budding talent in Kapchorwa region of Uganda.

Registration for the marathon is sh25,000 in cash or sh23,000 via MTN Mobile Money. The marathon kit among others includes a bib encased with a timing chip that will register each runner’s time.
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editor@independent.co.ug

 

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