MTN Launches 2016 Kampala Marathon

KAMPALA, Uganda; 1^stNovember, 2016 –MTN Uganda has today launched the 13^thedition of the annual Kampala Marathon, with a mission to rally runners to raise funds for the implementation of improved sanitation facilities for pupils through the construction of environmentally friendly smart bio-toilet facilities in a number of selected public primary schools in the outskirtsKampala, in partnership with the KCCA.

The 2016MTN Kampala Marathon will follow the theme “Run for Kampala”; 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 13^th 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 20^th 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; to raise awareness and support for the budding talent in Kapchorwa region of Uganda. This run will feature some of the big names in Ugandan athletics.  Participants in the relay will be running the MTN Kampala Marathon.

Over the last 13 years, 170,000 entrants have participated in the MTN Kampala Marathon and have raised money in excess ofSh1.8 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.

Speaking at the launch of the 2016 edition of the decade old charity event, MTN CEO Wim Vanhelleputte urged the public to register and participate in what has grown to become Uganda’s biggest Marathon. “Your participation (the public) will go a long way in mobilizing funds that are improving the wellbeing of children in the 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,” he stated.

“People run in the marathon for a number of reasons; to challenge themselves to fulfill a personal sense of achievement but also to contribute towards a worthy cause,” said Wim. “MTN and partners are proud to give the public the platform to express whatever reason they have through the run,” he concluded.

Commenting on Vision Group’s involvement with the MTN Kampala Marathon, Robert Kabushenga, the company Chief Executive noted that, “Vision Group, through our flagship brand New Vision, is proud to be a sponsor of the biggest sporting event of the year and this year we are pleased that once again a worthy cause has been selected. The fact that the money raised this year will be used to provide safe sanitation facilities in Kampala children allows us to be part of an initiative to give back to our community”.

Stanbic Bank is a key partner that has supported the Marathon since its inception.

Commenting on Stanbic Bank’s involvement with the MTN Kampala Marathon, Patrick Mweheire, Chief Executive Stanbic Bank Uganda said,“We are extremely proud and excited to partner with MTN once again in what has become a world class event attracting fun runners and elite athletes from across the globe. We have consistently supported the MTN Kampala Marathon because we appreciate the positive impact that the funds raised from the event have on the lives of the chosen beneficiaries and extend communities. Our objective as Stanbic will be to help build on that success through our increased financial contribution and the participation of our staff where we contribute the largest number of runners from a single company”.

On his part, Stanley Chyn the Managing Director – Huawei Uganda said, “This is the fifth time Huawei is participating in this meaningful event as a main sponsor. Kampala is a very beautiful city, secure, clean, hospitable and full of good people.  As Huawei Technologies, this has given a good and secure work environment to carry out our operations successfully. We shall continue to support efforts to improve access to sustainable sanitation for the urban poor school children in Kampala, and this year Huawei is yet again making a contribution of 250,000,000UGX towards this campaign arranged through the marathon”

Registration for the 2016 MTN Kampala Marathon will commence on Monday 7^th November at the new MTN headquarters (formerly BAT offices) along Jinja road. The public will access the registration points using the gate opposite Meat Packers. For convenience, the public can also register at Stanbic Bank – William Street Branch, the MTN service centres at Lugogo (Shoprite), Forest Mall, the MTN shop along Kampala Road, Kyaggwe Road and MTN service centre at Victoria Mall in Entebbe.

Interested members of the public can register for 25,000/- in cash or 23,000/- if they opt to use MTN Mobile Money.

The marathon kit among others includes a bib encased with a timing chip that will register each runner’s time. This makes the MTN Kampala Marathon the only professionally timed marathon in Uganda.

Since 2004, the MTN Kampala Marathon has supported the following projects;