Ugandan Athletes Kiplimo, Nyakisi Bag Shs20m Each at 2019 MTN Kampala Marathon

Uganda’s athletes Phillip Kiplimo and Nyakisi Adero have this Sunday emerged overall winners of the 2019 MTN Kampala Marathon.

Kiplimo covered the 42km race in 2 hours, thirteen minutes and 56 seconds in the male category whereas Adero covered the same distance in 2 hours, 41 minutes and 11 seconds in the female category.

The two winners both walked home with Shs20m each from MTN as it’s always the case to appreciate the victors as well as giving back.

The 16^th   edition of the marathon saw thousands of Ugandans and other neighboring countries including Kenya, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Eritrea among others actively taking part.

Held under the theme “For a good cause”, the proceeds from the marathon will go towards the improvement of maternal health across the country.

Participants took part in a full marathon (42km), Half marathon (21km), 10km run and the differently abled participated in the 5Km wheelchair race.

The wheelchair race that was previously held a weekend before the main marathon event was also held today to foster inclusiveness.

In the 21km race, Jacob Kiplimo won shs4.5 million having covered the distance in 1 hour 1 minute and 53 seconds.

In the females’ category, Juliet Chekwel from Uganda also walked away with shs4.5 million after completing the race in 1 hour 13 minutes and 8 seconds.

In the 10Km race, Uganda’s Denis Cherotich finished the race in 35 minutes and 29 minutes, walking away with shs1.5m. His female counterpart, Sauline Chelangat, also from Uganda walked away with the same amount having completed the race in 35 minutes and 29 seconds.

In the wheel chair race, Kevin Mubiru came first while Polline Acayo took the lead among the females. In the Tricycle race, Mohammed Ngobi and Mariam Kasibira took the mantle of the day.

Sheraton Hotel won Shs3.4m  under the corporate challenge. They will spend this money on a charity of their choice under a registered Non-Government Organization.

Every participant was well equipped with a vest that fits to enable them have a comfortable running experience. Additionally, this year’s kit came with a phone holder worn on the arm to enable participants to run with their phones.

The runners were flagged off by, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, Minister of Health, Wim Vanhelleputte,MTN Uganda CEO and MTN Uganda’s general Manager Corporate Affairs, Ms. Enid Edroma at Kololo Independence grounds.

After the Marathon,the crowds were treated to music performances from  singers Levixone, Fresh Kid, Vinka, John Blaq and Spice Diana among others.

Just like last year,this year’s marathon was preceded by regional Runs started in Soroti,Arua and Masaka which were held on  3^rd November,November 10 and November 17 respectively  ahead of the main MTN Kampala Marathon in Kampala.

With an estimated 336 deaths per 100,000 live births, Uganda’s maternal mortality is one of the highest in the world. This explains why for the third year in a row, the Marathon will focus on improving maternal health.

Proceeds from last year’s Marathon are being used to complement efforts by the Ministry of Health to improve service delivery in 5 Health Centre IV facilities across Uganda.

10 KM winners in the Men’s category include; Denis Cherotich won Shs1.5m, Bushendich Mande who won Shs800,000 and Philip Kipyeko who walked home with Shs500,000 among other winners.

Uder the Womens category,a one Sauline Chelangat walked home with Shs1.5m,followed by Lillian Cheptegai who bagged Shs800,000 among others.

42.2 KM winners in the women’s category  include; Nyakisi Adero,Vanis Chemutai and Eritrea’s Kidist Fiseha Tedia among others who bagged Shs20m,10m and 5m respectively.

Others include Tri-cycle winners in the Men’s category where Ngobi muhammed emerged overall winner and in the wheel chair category still under Men,saw a one Kevin Mubiru win wheras Polline Acayo defeated her collegues to become number one under the Women’s category.