Uganda: Star Cast Expected At Hared Marathon

Sande Bashaija and Oscar Balyejusa

13 April 2011

Jinja — Hundreds of foreign runners from Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda have been lined up for this year’s Hared Source of the Nile marathon due May 22 in Jinja.

The foreigners will join a host of local elite runners for the charity-driven event, organisers said yesterday. Former world steeplechase champion Dorcus Inzikuru, who was fifth in the 10km race last year, 1500m national record holder Janet Achola and Annet Negesa, are some of the local big names expected to hit the road in Jinja.

Launching the marathon yesterday, Ben Akamu, the organising committee chairman, said they are looking to raise Shs50m for Jinja Referral Hospital children’s ward. “Last year we raised Shs25m. We want to double the amount,” Akamu told a gathering at Health Fast Gym where the 21km and 10km races will start and end. Registration starts today at all Hared Petroleum stations, City Oil, Shoprite and Fast Pharmacy in Wandegeya, among other points. “When you register to run, you save humanity,” Akamu appealed.

Winners of the 21km race (men and women) will pocket Shs2m, the second Shs1.5m and the third Shs1m. The 10km champion stands to pocket Shs1.5m, the second Shs1m and the third Shs0.5m. Registration closes on May 8.

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