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.
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.
Minister Ogwang expressed aspirations for the event to grow exponentially, aiming to involve over 65,000 participants over the course of a decade. Beyond the races, festivities will include cultural showcases, entertainment, and a marathon Hall of Fame.
