The Ministry of Education and Sports has unveiled plans for the Kampala City Marathon, an initiative they say is aimed at enhancing tourism and fostering a healthier population in Uganda.
Addressing the media at the Media Centre in Kampala, Minister of State for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang outlined the government’s vision for the marathon, highlighting its role in showcasing Uganda’s rich socio-cultural heritage and economic potential.
The marathon, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Presidential Advisory Committee on Export and Industrial Development (PACEID), and the private sector, seeks to position Kampala City and Uganda as premier tourist destinations over the next decade.
At the launch held today at media center, Kampala, Ogwang called for mass involvement to ensure the event that will include a cultural festival, entertainment and Hall of Fame is a success, “This is the beginning of us showcasing Uganda to the rest of the world and we will be able to attract publicity from international media and build Uganda’s image.”
“As a country we need to explore the activities of sports tourism as the key drivers of economic development of our country. As Ugandans let’s support this elite marathon competition.”
With a focus on promoting physical activity as a lifestyle to combat non-communicable diseases, government hopes that the marathon becomes one of Africa’s premier races with Minister Ogwang emphasizing its potential to attract tens of thousands of visitors while also celebrating Uganda’s renowned long-distance running tradition and cultural diversity.
Golazo, a seasoned international marathon organizer, will lend its expertise to the event’s planning and execution, drawing from its successful track record in cities like Berlin, Nairobi, and Brussels.
Scheduled for December 2024, the marathon will feature four categories: the full marathon (42.195km), a half marathon (21.097km), a 10km race, and a 5km fun run. The renovated Mandela National Stadium will serve as the starting and finishing point for the races, welcoming elite athletes as well as local and foreign participants.
Uganda Athletics Federation President Dominic Otuchet believes the marathon offers a unique race to position the country as a global destination, “The aim is to bring in international runners who will come for the full marathon with thousands of people involved. The four events will feature fun and elite athletes with the aim of ensuring the marathon grows over the years.”
“We are going to ensure that the best in the world across the various categories are invited and this will be worked out through prize and appearance money and the rewards we give to the participants,” Otuchet stated.
With the marathon fully funded by the President H.E Yoweri Museveni for the inaugural outing, the focus will be grow the race to self sustainability and involve over 65,000 participants over a 10-year period.
