Ugandans dominate MTN Kampala marathon

Uganda dominated the 10km at the 14th edition of the MTN Kampala marathon which was flagged off at the Kololo Independence Ground.

Joel Ayeko led a Ugandan sweep of the top 5 with Peruth Chemutai replicating the feat in the women’s category.

The hosts were in imperious form in the shorter distances claiming the top 2 positions in both the 10km and 21km.

Robert Chemonges and Doreen Chesang won the men and women’s half marathon respectively while Joel Ayeko and Peruth Chemutai completed Uganda’s dominance with victories in the men’s and women’s 10km races.

Olympian Chemutai’s experience shone through as she easily won the women’s 10km in 34:12 walking away with 1.5m Uganda shillings.

“I have been training in Kapchorwah which is hilly and hotter so this was easy for me," she told The Nile Post.

Kenyans Sammy Kip-Ngetich Kurgat and Kimaiyo Rael Jepyator were victors in both the men’s and women’s full marathons walking away with Shs 20m each in the only races not won by a Ugandan on the bright Sunday morning.

The proceeds from the marathon will go towards improving maternal health services in Kiswa and Komamboga health centres and replacing cancer causing asbestos roofing in over 20 Kampala schools.

Ugandans took 13 out of the 15 available slots in the Top 5 positions in the 42km,21km and 10km races for both men and women respectively.

The annual event flagged off by the executive director of KCCA, Jennifer Musisi and MTN CEO Wim Vanhelleputte, attracted over 20,000 participants and passed off without any major incidents.