Wuhan, China Marathon 9TH April, 2017.
Uganda Representatives:
Kipalagat Erikana Felix (42kms)
John Kateregga (21kms) – Ticket Sponsor (CCCC)
Jacob Araptai (10kms) – Ticket Sponsor (CCCC)
Not even the early morning down pour would prevent the high spirited runners from participating in the first ever Entebbe Marathon that was held on Sunday in Entebbe Botanical Gardens. The first ever Entebbe Marathon which was branded a huge success judging from the big turn up saw Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) staff Kiplagat Erikana Felix notch a timing of (2:15:38) to emerge number one in the main 42km race category. In second and third place was Robert Lubega and Kiptoyek Alfred who notched a timing of (2:16:10) and (2:18:12) respectively.
“This has been my first time to participate in the 42km marathon and I’m glad that I’ve won. I’ve only been participating in the 21km marathon. I performed fairly well and I hope to improve in the near future through training constantly. We long distance runners need to be supported because many of us struggle on our own”, Kiplagat Erikana Felix told journalists shortly after finishing the race.
Kiplagat Erikana Felix’s success earned himself a free air ticket to Wuhan, China Marathon courtesy of the Entebbe based African Gold Refinery Company.
John Kateregga finished top in the 21km category after notching a timing of (1:07:24). He beat his two fierce competitors Vitalis Kwemoi and Felix Chemonges in a timing of (1:07:29) and (1:07:38) respectively. Jacob Araptai and Ronald Musalu won the 10 and 5km race categories with a timing of (29:30:08) and (20:12:06) respectively.
In the Ladies Category, Uganda Prisons Staff Hellen Chemutai beat Dorcus Inzikuru to finish top in the 42km category. She successfully completed the 42 km category with a timing of (3:08:56) while Dorcus Inzikuru came second with a timing of (2:03:22:50). Rebbeca Cheptegei and Vanis Chemtai finished first and second in the 21km category with a timing of 1:20:28 and 1:24:51 respectively.
Chebet Rispa topped the 5km category with a timing of 35:46:06 while Janet Achola finished second with a timing of (35:59:06).
All the individual winners walked away with different categories of prizes including cash courtesy of the various sponsors including the China Construction and Communication Company (CCCC) who injected Thirty Million Shillings (Shs30m) in the Marathon.
“I would like to thank you all for turning up in record numbers. I would like to thank all the various sponsors who supported us in various aspects including the China Construction and Communication Company (CCCC) who injected Thirty Million Shillings (Shs30m) in the Marathon.
All the proceeds from the Marathon will go to supporting Children with Disabilities under the Modesta Foundation. Next year we shall focus on improving the Universal Primary Education (UPE) schools. We are taking three best Athletes in the 42, 21 and 10kms who will represent Uganda at the Wuhan International Marathon in China to be held on April 9, 2017”, Mayor Kayanja stated.
