Uganda Police Dominates MTN Kampala Marathon

Written by: 
Ndagire Sarah

The team from Uganda Police put up a spirited fight that saw them win all the awards in the 42 kilometers full race in the men’s category at the MTN Kampala marathon that was held on Sunday, 25th at the Kololo Airstrip.

Joshua Chemutai won the race in 2 hours, 18 minutes and 27 seconds. This saw him awarded a crown, a gold medal and a cheque of 40 million Uganda shillings.

He was followed by Kibet Soyekwo also from Uganda Police, who finished the race in 2 hours, 18 minutes and 43 seconds. He was awarded a crown, a silver medal and acheque of 20 million Uganda shillings. Kiplimo Phillip still from Uganda Police finished the podium list in 2 hours, 19 minutes and 53 seconds. He took home a crown, a bronze medal and a cheque worth 10 million Uganda shillings.

The marathon was split into categories of 10km, 21km and 42km (full race). All the participants that made it to the finish line in the 21 and 42km races were given a bronze medal.

Dominic Otuchet, the president Uganda Athletics Federation congratulated the team from Uganda Police and thanked them for taking sports as a serious venture. He called upon other participants to embrace athletics as it can change their life if taken seriously. “Running can change your life if you are passionate and practice consistently,’’ Otuchet said.

Wim Van Helleputte, the CEO MTN Uganda appreciated all the participants and encouraged them to continue supporting MTN Uganda. “We are all winners. Our 20 years in Uganda have been smooth because of you, thanks every one,’’ Helleputte said.

The social event was organized by MTN Uganda and this year’s aim was improving maternal health care in Uganda by ensuring safe child birth by expectant mothers. Valery Oketcho, the manager of corporate communications at MTN Uganda thanked all the companies that sponsored the event.