The Olympic Day Tooke Run in Bushenyi produced impressive performances across all race categories as some of Uganda’s top athletes emerged victorious in an event that attracted hundreds of participants and combined sport with the fight against malnutrition.
In the men’s 5km race, Joshua Ayeko claimed top honours after leading the field to victory, while Chebet Isera won the women’s category to cap a strong display in the shorter distance race.
The 10km contests also delivered exciting competition, with Jabeth Chesiro emerging as the men’s champion. Nancy Chepkorir secured victory in the women’s race after an impressive run that saw her finish ahead of the rest of the field.
The most prestigious event of the day, the 21km half marathon, was dominated by institutional athletes. Abel Chebet of the Uganda Police Force powered his way to the men’s title, while Esther Chebet of the Uganda Prisons Service was crowned women’s champion after producing the best performance in her category.
The races formed part of the Olympic Day Tooke Run held under the theme, “Move, Learn and Discover for Nutrition Care”, which brought together athletes, fitness enthusiasts and community members from across the country.
The event was flagged off by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, who represented President Yoweri Museveni, and also served as a platform to promote nutrition awareness, healthy living and food security through the Tooke initiative championed by Rev. Prof. Florence Isabirye Muranga.
Organisers said the event sought to use the power of sport to encourage healthier lifestyles while highlighting the role of matooke and value-added agricultural products in improving nutrition and combating malnutrition.
With strong participation and competitive racing across all categories, stakeholders expressed optimism that the Olympic Day Tooke Run will continue growing into a major annual event that celebrates both sporting excellence and community health.
