Uganda: Route Favours Insiders

Oscar Balyejusa and Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo

21 May 2011

By opting not to change the routes for the Hared Source of the Nile Marathon in Jinja tomorrow, organisers don’t have so many surprises up their sleeves.

Athletes who have taken part in the past two editions will feel like they are running through familiar farm land even though the challenge might be different. Elite 21km runners from last year will be pleased to learn that the starting point is at Health Fast gym then connect to Nile crescent before heading down Eng. Indikusooka Way.

Thereafter, they slop along the Old Tobacco Road, passing through the long route of Walukuba and Masese roads to head towards Bidco Uganda Limited factory and branch off to the main Jinja-Iganga Highway. Here, they will get past Steel Rolling Mills, connect to Milo Mbiri Road through the Kyabazinga way joining the Kampala Highway then link up at the first round about near Jinja town.

Last year’s winner Jackson Kiprop is expected to set the tempo there whereas his equal in the 10km event Thomas Ayeko dictates his own folk that has several charity runners. An estimated 3, 100 people have registered with all proceeds going towards helping the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Unit of Jinja Referral Hospital.

Gen. Ivan Koreta, the deputy chief of defence forces, is the chief runner while several politicians are also taking part.

Over 40 corporate bodies have registered their teams.

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