The first ever Coffee marathon in Uganda will go down in the history books for the hype it brought forth with, given the ripe intended objectives of giving a shine to the coffee commodity and in particular Uganda among the world’s producers.
Prior to the marathon proper, there were a series of activities held at the Africa Coffee Park in Rwashamaire, Ntungamo, Western Uganda.
The Coffee investment forum which lured the business communities, companies and other investors was also spiced up by a Barista’s competition.
The Coffee marathon’s theme was clear “To uplift the rural women out of poverty” a catch phase intended to grant a glow to the hundreds of unsung heroines in this lucrative industry; the ordinary coffee farmers.
Dr. Nelson Tugume, the CEO of Inspire Africa, the main organizers lauded all the stakeholders who engaged in the entire arrangement.
“Uganda is a fertile country, capable of producing the best coffee. We need value addition and this will take the support of the Government and many stakeholders. The Coffee forum, marathon and concert are activities that will help to keep this industry in the limelight” Dr Tugume revealed.
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa was chief runner, flagging off some races and engaging in the prize presentation ceremony.
Rt. Hon Tayebwa saluted the efforts of Inspire Africa Group and called for collective support to grow the Coffee industry.
“I thank my brother Dr Nelson Tugume and Inspire Africa Group for the bold efforts of growing the coffee industry with such a big Coffee Park. Let us support him wholesomely” Rt. Hon. Tayebwa urged.
A total of Ug.Shs 116,000, 000 was given out in cash prizes to the top performing runners in the different categories as 5KM, 10KM, 21KM and 42 KM.
The main marathon was won by Isaac Masai and Mercline Chelangat in the male and female gender respectively.
“The race was fine. The weather was conducive and I thank the organizers. I am happy to run for the Coffee cause. This marathon will prepare me for future races ahead” Isaac Masai, the male 42KM winner revealed.
The half marathon (21 KM) was claimed by Abel Chebet (male) and Rachael Chebet Zena (female).
In the 10 KM race, Sailas Rotich won for the men whilst Kerine Cherop took the female top title.
After the marathon, there was a music concert on the gigantic stage infront of the Coffee park graced by upcoming artists, established stars from Uganda and the East African region.
Diamond Platnum (Tanzania), Bebe Cool (Uganda), Eddy Kenzo (Uganda), Ray G (Uganda), The Ben (Rwanda) and others all performed.
Dr Tugume has promised to transform the forum, marathon and concert as an annual event.
42 KM:
Men:
Gold: Isaac Masai (10,000,000)-
Silver: Isaac Kibet (7,500,000)
Bronze: Alex Chesuro (5,000,000)
42 KM:
Women:
Gold: Merceline Chelangat (10,000,000)
Silver: Emily Chebet (7,500,000)
Bronze: Peruth Chemusto (5,000,000)
21 KM:
Men:
Gold: Abel Chebet (5,000,000)
Silver: Mark Kiptoo (3,000,000)
Bronze: Peter Akwech (2,000,000)
21 KM (Women):
Gold: Rachael Chebet Zena (5,000,000)
Silver: Esther Chekwemoi (3,000,000)
Bronze: Saibi Chebet (2,000,000)
10 KM:
Men
Gold: Rotich Sailas (2,000,000)
Silver: Jabeth Arapastya (1,500,000)
Bronze: Abra Cherotich (1,000,000)
Women:
Gold: Kerine Cherop (2,000,000)
Silver: Ariziki Chelangat (1,500,000)
Bronze: Edinah Nemigisha (1,000,000)
