Uganda: Thousands Run in Nile Marathon

Oscar Balyejusa and Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo

22 May 2011

For the third year running, thousands of runners descend on the eastern town of Jinja this morning to compete in the Hared Source of the Nile Marathon.

Even with cash prizes at stake for the elite athletes, the motivation for many among the 3, 100 is bailing Jinja referral hospital to match the event’s theme of ‘Pound the Miles and Save a Life’. Jackson Kiprop, winner of the 21km race last year, will defend that title with Francis Musani and Nicholas Kiprono in pursuit on a route that directly mirrors the one the former treaded.

That group has Shs2m in their sights when they start at the Health fast Gym. The 10km event which is attraction of the majority has World Cross Country Silver medalist Thomas Ayeko pushing to retain his crown from last year.

National junior teammates Peter Kibet and Ben Siiwa will fancy an upset here for the Shs1.5m given to the winner. Customarily the 21km women’s race has been a Kenyan affair in the past two editions but Janet Acholla won’t let them touch her 10km title.

Teams from UPDF, Prisons and Police are expected to dominate the event that has Gen. Ivan Koreta, the deputy chief of defence forces, as the chief runner. At least 25 corporate companies will also take part.

The event proceeds go to the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Unit of Jinja Referral Hospital.

AllAfrica – All the Time