The MTN Kampala Marathon is set to kick off this Sunday 13th November with the wheelchair race, ahead of the other races scheduled for next Sunday, the 20th of November.

Unlike the previous (2019) Marathon that featured the wheelchair race on the same day as the other races, this year, a special date was set for the wheelchair race as was the norm in the earlier marathons, to give the wheelchair race prominence and the recognition that it deserves.

According to Somdev Sen, the MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer, the MTN Kampala Marathon has for many years led the way in promoting, endorsing, and showcasing the very best wheelchair race in the country.

The total prize pot of Ugx.11,000,000 has been prepared for the wheelchair race winners across both the men’s and women’s categories. Each of the top 3 finishers in the men’s and women’s races will receive a portion of this total;

The first-position winners shall each walk away with Ugx.3,000,000/= while the second and third-place finishers shall pocket Ugx.1,500,000/= and Ugx.1,000,000/= respectively for both men and women.

A yet-to-be-confirmed number of wheelchair race participants have already registered and picked up their MTN Marathon 2022 kit ahead of the Sunday wheelchair race that shall span a 10KM distance starting from the MTN Arena in Lugogo.

“We have had a good number of wheelchair participants register and pick up their kit for the wheelchair race which has always been a part of the MTN Kampala Marathon. Registration for all the Marathon race categories is still open and the kit pick-up is also ongoing. I urge everyone to register and participate in this year’s marathon to save more babies and mothers,” Somdev said.

Proceeds from this year’s Marathon shall be used to upgrade maternal and newborn services in four selected health facilities across the country. The beneficiary health facilities include Kisenyi and Kawaala health facilities in the suburbs of Kampala plus those in Kachumbala (Teso sub-region) and Kabong (Karamoja sub-region).

The MTN Kampala Marathon has over the years raised over Ugx.4 billion and benefitted several causes such as helping expectant mothers with maternity kit, resettling people displaced by war in northern Uganda, delivering clean water and improving sanitation in communities/schools, and most recently, improving maternal in health facilities.

The other races of the MTN Kampala Marathon, including the full marathon (42Km), half marathon (21Km), 10Km race and 5Km fun run will be held on Sunday 20th November starting at the Kololo independence grounds.

The MTN Marathon pledges to continue playing its role in connecting and uniting Ugandans to causes that make a difference in the lives of thousands (if not millions) across the country.

With the 2022 MTN Kampala Marathon fast approaching, picking your kit has been made easier.

Starting today, November 10th, 2022, you can receive your kit from the following MTN service centres;

1. Crested Towers
2. Clock Tower
3. MTN Head Quarters – (1st Street Industrial Area)
4. Victoria Mall
5. Nkrumah Road
6. Forest Mall – Lugogo

This edition of the MTN Kampala Marathon will be held on Sunday 20th November starting at the Kololo independence grounds with runners participating in any of 4 categories including; the full marathon (42Km), half marathon (21Km), 10Km race, and 5Km fun run.

The wheelchair race (10Km) shall be held this Sunday 13th November 2022.

To register for the 2022 MTN Kampala Marathon dial *165*77# or use the MoMo app and pay for your running kit at a discount, with MTN MoMo.

After a two-year break following the Covid-19 pandemic, the MTN Kampala Marathon is back, with 25,000 people expected to grace the 2022 edition of the biggest sports and social event in Uganda.

We have compiled a list of 10 key facts you should know as you prepare to participate in the MTN Kampala Marathon wheelchair race this Sunday, 13th November, or run in this legendary marathon come 20th November.

Oldest: Now in its 19th year of existence, the MTN Kampala Marathon is the oldest and most consistent marathon in Uganda. It has stood the test of time, growing steadily over a 19-year period. Due to the two-year break following the Covid-19 outbreak, this will be the 17th edition of the public running in the MTN Kampala Marathon.

Biggest: From a humble beginning of 1500 participants in its inaugural run, the MTN Kampala Marathon has grown to become the biggest marathon in Uganda, attracting tens of thousands of runners year after year. So far, almost a quarter of a million people, 245,000 people to be exact, have participated in the MTN Kampala Marathon over the years. This year’s Marathon shall be graced by 25,000 participants.

Most Professional: Organized by MTN Uganda with technical support from the Uganda Athletics Federation, the MTN Kampala Marathon ranks as the most professional marathon in the EastAfrican region. The marathon attracts both professional and budding athletes who use the event as a launch pad for both their careers and upcoming competitions.

Nurturing Athletic Talent: It is the most professional Marathon in East Africa and it attracts international athletes from the region. It has also provided a launch pad for many elite athletes such as Stephen Kiprotich, Victor Kiplangat, and Dorcas Inzikuru, among others from outside Uganda, whose talent was identified and confidence boosted by the Kampala Marathon before they went ahead to shine internationally.

Cash Prizes: Although the MTN Kampala Marathon is a charity-driven marathon, the winners across the 42Km, 21Km, 10Km, and the wheelchair race get to walk away with cash prizes. This is in a bid to motivate the runners and to also attract professional athletes. This year, 46 individuals shall win a combined total of cash prizes worth Ugx.290,000,000/=. An additional Ugx.5,000,000/= shall be won by a corporate team, to be donated to a charity of their choice.

Inclusive: Like many international Marathons that the MTN Kampala Marathon emulates and aspires to mirror, it is inclusive, with a wheelchair race that attracts a number of wheelchair users to be part of the Marathon. The wheelchair race kit is sold at a discount to encourage more participants. This year’s 10Km wheelchair race is happening this Sunday the 13th of November, ahead of the other races, to give it more prominence.

Charity-driven: All the proceeds from the MTN Kampala Marathon, since its inception have been used for charity activities aimed to improve the lives of thousands, if not millions of people in Uganda. The MTN Kampala Marathon has benefitted several causes such as helping expectant mothers with maternity kit, resettling people displaced by war in northern Uganda delivering clean water and improving sanitation in communities/schools, and most recently,
improving maternal in health facilities.

Billions collected for charity: 4.480,000,000 (Four Billion Four Hundred and Eighty Million) shillings have so far been raised from the MTN Kampala Marathon. Worth noting is that in its initial year, the Marathon collected a total of Ugx.20 million but over the years, the figure has grown to hundreds of millions thanks to more individuals appreciating the good cause of the Marathon as well as partner sponsors such as Huawei, Stanbic Bank, Rwenzori, Vision Group and most recently, NBS Sport.

It happens every 3rd Sunday of November: The MTN Kampala Marathon is held every third Sunday of November since its inception. The only exception is only in 2007 when the date had to be adjusted due to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in Uganda that year. And yes, you guessed right. It will be happening on the third Sunday of this month which happens to be the 20th . Please save the date.

Maternal Health Impact: As far as Maternal health is concerned, the child and maternity wards at Kawempe Referral Hospital in Kampala, Muyembe HC IV in Bulambuli district, Pakwach HC IV in Pakwach, Kalangala HC IV in Kalangala and Karugutu HC IV in Ntoroko district have all been refurbished with the proceeds from the 2018 and 2019 MTN Kampala Marathons with a top up from MTN Uganda.

This year’s Marathon will be a building block to this impact as suggested by its theme; “Run for babies” in a bid to curb neonatal mortality in the country by supporting four selected health facilities namely, Kisenyi and Kawaala Health centers in Kampala, Kaabong health center in Karamoja and Kachumbala health center in Teso region.

MTN Uganda together with its partners Huawei, Stanbic bank, New Vision, Rwenzori, NBS TV, and KCCA –
the host city, recently announced the 2022 edition of the MTN Kampala Marathon, which shall take
place on Sunday 20th November 2022 under the theme; “Run for Babies”.

Coming in after a two-year break due to the Covid pandemic, this year’s Marathon promises to be bigger and better with a fun-packed after-party featuring a lineup of artists performing live, as well as a children’s park.

The 2022 edition of the MTN Kampala Marathon will be held on Sunday 20th November starting at the Kololo independence grounds with runners participating in any of 4 categories including; the full marathon (42Km), half marathon (21Km), 10Km race, and 5Km fun run.

The wheelchair race (10Km) shall be held on Sunday 13 th November 2022.

Register for the 2022 Kampala Marathon via the MTN MoMo app or by dialing *165*77# and paying for your kit at a discounted price via MTN MoMo or simply walk into one of the service centers to register.

Corporate companies can also register their teams to compete in the marathon for a cash prize of Ugx. 5 million that they will donate to a charity of their choice.

The MTN Kampala Marathon has been a mainstay on the Ugandan sports calendar and a major springboard for East Africa’s elite athletes such as Victor Kiplangat among others (see video).

Kiplangat, alongside Peruth Chemutai, invites the public to run in the 2022 MTN Kampala Marathon to save more babies from preventable deaths.

Proceeds from this year’s Marathon shall be used to upgrade maternal and newborn services in four selected health facilities across the country in a bid to combat the high neonatal mortality rate in the country.

The beneficiary health facilities include Kisenyi and Kawaala health facilities in the suburbs of Kampala plus those in Kachumbala (Teso sub-region) and Kabong (Karamoja sub-region).

In addition to being the most professional Marathon in the region, the MTN Kampala Marathon has earned its place as the biggest charity-inspired marathon, giving participants a good reason to run, not only for their own health and fitness but to also contribute to projects that have supported communities over the years.

The 2019 MTN Marathon was the last edition held before the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the world.

Editions that were supposed to be run in 2020 and 2021 were suspended due to lockdowns that were instituted by the Government of Uganda.

The standard operating procedures (SOPs) had to be followed and according to Somdev Sen, the MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer who was interviewed in 2020.

“Yes. Due to the Covid19 pandemic, we decided, with a heavy heart, not to have the MKM this year.

“The Covid19 Ministry of Health guidelines require social distancing and no crowd gatherings yet based on the previous crowds, it is evident that it will be impossible to enforce social distancing and the other SOPs. As such, we have decided to call it off this year.

“Hopefully, if the pandemic is no more by the same time next year, we shall organize the MKM as we have done for the last 16 years.”

Now the MTN Marathon is back and you can register by dialing *165*77#.

Here is the list of previous prize winners of the 2019 edition

Prize winners Men  – 42.2km
1. Phillip Kiplimo 02:13:56
2. Fres Musobo 02:15:23
3. Anthony Ayeko 02:15:23
4. Soyekwo Kibet 02:16:17
5. Francis Musani 02:18:03
6. Daniel Rotich 02:18:38
7. Patrick Kiptalah 02:20:29
8. Habte Guta Bira 02:20:49
9. Alfred kiptoyek 2:20:55
10. Allan Andiema 02:52:21

Prize winners  Women – 42.2KM
1. Nyakisi Adero 02:41:11
2. Vanis Chemutai 02:45:42
3. Kadist Fiseha Tedla 02:47:01
4. Lydia Wafula 02:49:08
5. Priscilla Chelangat 02:49:45
6. Migada Caroline 02:50:55
7. Omari Doris 02:52:59
8. Rotich Lydia Chepteling 02:54:15
9. Debesay Yohannes Hibret 02:55:43
10. Eileen Jepngetich Korir 02:57:10

Half marathon women -21.1KM
1. Juliet Chekwel 01:13:08
2. Doreen Chemutai 01:13:09
3. Dorcus Ajok 01:14:13
4. Doreen Chesang 01:14:21
5. Annet Chelangat 01:14:23

Half marathon men – 21.1KM
1. Jacob Kiplimo 01:01:53
2. Felix Chemonges 01:02:57
3. Kibet Titus 01:03:21
4. Moses Kibet 01:03:37
5. Isaac Kibet 01:04:34

Men’s 10KM race
1. Denis Cherotich 00.29.59
2. Bushenbich Mande 00.30.05
3. Phillip Kibyeko 00.30.12
4. Kwemoi Salim 00.30.14
5. Ezekiel Mutai 00.30.15

The 5Km route of the 2022 MTN Kampala Marathon has been revealed.

The journey will entail runners pacing through Kampala’s magnificent landmarks and buildings in a bid to cover the distance in the shortest time possible.

START: 📍 Kololo Independence Grounds

The 5Km race will start with the gun being fired from Kololo Independence Grounds. The grounds are home to the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) – mandated to register births and deaths in the country and to develop a National Identification Register for both citizens and legally resident non-citizens. Kololo has formerly been known as Kampala Airport and is the country’s official Ceremonial Grounds.

📍 Interpol Offices

Runners will then go past Uganda Interpol Offices situated nearby to Kampala Protea Hotel and Kololo.

📍 Acacia Avenue and Acacia Mall

Acacia Avenue road will lead up to Acacia Mall. The mall is one of Kampala’s glamorous shopping and recreational destination for both Ugandans and foreigners located along 14-18 Cooper Road (off Acacia Ave).

📍 Lohana Academy

Lohana Academy is an all-around institution located on plots 50-54, Prince Charles Drive, Kololo, Kampala. It is a Nursery and Primary education institution set up in 1995.

📍 Prince Charles Drive

The road leads to some of the elite residential apartments inside Kololo.

 FINISH: 📍 York Terrace

York terrace is next to Lugogo Power Plant and is located in Central Region, Uganda. York terrace has a length of 0.54 kilometers.

Are you planning on running the 5KM route in the #MTNMarathon2022? Here is how your route looks like. Practice and plan early. 💪🏾🏃🏾🏃🏾‍♀️ pic.twitter.com/PMgecoAaqE

— MTN Uganda (@mtnug) November 4, 2022

The prices of different kit needed for the 2022 MTN Kampala marathon will differ based on the category any participant will choose to feature on 20th November at Kololo Independence grounds.

One unique introduction to this year’s kit is a running belt that will offer a secure and convenient way for runners to keep their valuables and water bottle to rehydrate, while they run.

Runners who will pay with MTN Momo will access a kit that is discounted as revealed in the table below.

To register for the 2022 MTN Kampala Marathon dial *165*77# or use the MoMo app and pay for your running kit at a discount, with MTN MoMo.

Kit prices and kit items for the various MTN Kampala Marathon race categories

	Race categories	Kids’ Kit	Wheelchair Race	5 Kms	10Kms	21Kms	42 Kms
Payment options	Cash	5,000	20,000	40,000	40,000	40,000	40,000
MoMo	5,000	10,000	30,000	30,000(Timing)35,000(No timing)	20,000	20,000
Kit items		T. Shirt	Vest, Sun visor, Running belt, bottle	Vest, Sun visor, Running belt, bottle, timing chip

The MTN Kampala Marathon has garnered proceeds over the years that have been used to deliver change in communities but also ensured service delivery all over the country.

When the event started in 2004, 20 million shillings from 1500 participants were raised.

Six years later when other corporate companies joined the cause and came in to sponsor, MTN raised at least 500 to 600 million shillings annually.

Over the years raised Ushs 4bn+ have benefitted several causes such as helping expectant mothers with maternity kits, resettling people displaced by war in northern Uganda, delivering clean water and improving sanitation in communities/schools, and most recently, improving maternal health facilities.

Below is how proceeds have been distributed since the MTN Marathon’s inception.

To register for the 2022 MTN Kampala Marathon dial *165*77# or use the MoMo app and pay for your running kit at a discount, with MTN MoMo.

The MTN Kampala Marathon Proceeds and their distribution since its inception

Year	No. Runners	Beneficiary Amount	Theme	Implementing Entity	Beneficiary
2004	1,500	20,000,000	Expectant mothers in IDPs	Uganda Red Cross MAMA Bag Appeal	Northern Uganda
2005	2,500	24,500,000	Expectant mothers in IDPs	Uganda Red Cross MAMA Bag Appeal	Northern Uganda
2006	3,500	38,000,000	Expectant mothers in IDPs	Uganda Red Cross MAMA Bag Appeal	Northern Uganda
2007	6,500	59,000,000	Resettlement kits	Uganda Red Cross MAMA Bag Appeal	Northern Uganda
2008	18,000	59,000,000	Resettlement kits	Uganda Red Cross MAMA Bag Appeal	Northern Uganda
2009	22,000	67,000,000	Resettlement kits	Uganda Red Cross MAMA Bag Appeal	Northern Uganda
2010	18,000	190,000,000	Water & Sanitation	Uganda Red Cross	Northern Uganda
2011	20,000	230,000,000	Water & Sanitation (installation of 6 boreholes, 24 rainwater jars, 5 ferro cement tanks, 509 bio sand filters)	Water Aid	Amuria
2012	20,000	300,000,000	Water & Sanitation (10 boreholes)	Uganda Red Cross	Kiryandongo
2013	20,000	400,000,000	Water & Sanitation (18 boreholes)	Water Aid	Nakapiripirit
2014	20,000	450,000,000	Water & Sanitation (18 boreholes)	Water Aid	Kotido
2015	20,000	500,000,000	Installation and improvement of Sanitation/toilet facilities including water harvesting and bio-gas componentsin primary schools around Kampala.	KCCA	1.  Kitebi Primary School2.  Kisaasi Primary School3.  Police Primary School Nsambya4.  Naguru Katale Primary School5.  Kasubi Church of Uganda Primary School
2016	20,000	500,000,000	KCCA	1.   Nakasero Primary School2.   Kitante Primary School3.   Kampala School for the handicapped4.   Namungoona Kigobe Primary School5.   Munyonyo Church of Uganda Primary School
2017	20,000	600,000,000	Improvement of Maternal health and reduction of exposure to cancer	KCCA	Maternal health;·        Komamboga & Kiswa health center replacement of asbestos roofing; Nakasero Primary School
2018	20,000+	600,000,000 (MKM collections)400,000,000 (MTN Foundation)	Improvement of Maternal health facilities in Health Centre IVs	UNFPA & MoH	Refurbishment and equipping of theatres and labour wards of five Health Centre IVs incl:1.  Muyembe HC IV in Bulambuli district2.  Pakwach HC IV in Pakwach3.  Kalangala HC IV in Kalangala4.  Karugutu HC IV in Ntoroko district5.  Kawempe Referral Hospital in Kampala.
2019	15,000	500,000,000
	247,000	4,480,000,000

Since its inception in 2004, the MTN Marathon has nurtured the spirit of charity by connecting and uniting both individuals and corporate companies for causes that make a difference in the lives of numerous communities across the country.

At least 247,000 individuals have participated in the MTN Kampala Marathon since it was first to run in 2004 and over the years, multiple companies have also partnered with MTN to achieve a common goal of giving back to the community.

Subsequently, the MTN Kampala Marathon has earned its place as the biggest charity-inspired marathon, giving both individuals and corporate companies a platform to give back to the community.

Although it is organized by MTN Uganda and its implementing Partner, the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF), the success of the Marathon over the years is heavily attributed to both the individuals and corporate companies who participate in the event.

According to Somdev Sen – MTN Uganda Chief Marketing officer, there is a limit to the impact a single company can create.

“As such the marathon was born out of the idea that together we can do more therefore creating it to be a platform where individuals and other corporate organizations could come together to contribute, ideas, solutions and funds that would help address many pressing socio-economic needs across the country,” Somdev says.

Somdev however notes that the real heroes of the Marathon are the individual runners who not only contribute to these noble causes by buying the kits but also go the extra mile of running the races in pursuit of a positive impact in the communities.

This year, up to 25,000 marathon kits are up for sale to the public implying that a quarter a million people from Uganda and neighboring countries who shall buy the kits with the aim of running this year’s marathon shall be contributing towards the noble cause of saving babies’ lives.

While launching the 2022 edition of the MTN Kampala Marathon, which shall take place on Sunday 20 th November 2022 under the theme; “Run for Babies” MTN together with its partners, partners including; Huawei, Stanbic bank, New Vision, Rwenzori, NBS TV and implementing partners from KCCA and UAF committed to joining hands to improve the newborn and maternal health services for four selected facilities across the country.

Huawei, which is sponsoring the MTN Kampala Marathon for the 9th year in a row has this year committed Ugx.280 million shillings towards the MTN Kampala Marathon.

Similarly, Stanbic Bank, which is also in its 9th year of sponsoring the Marathon maintains has this year contributed Ugx.170 million towards the Marathon this year.

The company has been participating in the MTN Rwenzori, one of the longest-standing partners of the MTN Kampala Marathon has also committed Ugx.75 million towards this year’s marathon while Vision Group, which has also been a partner of the MTN Kampala Marathon since its inception to date will this year, extend media support worth Ugx.150 million towards the Marathon, whose purpose resonates with the company’s corporate social responsibility spirit.

Similarly, first-time marathon sponsor, Next Media Services, under NBS Sport will offer media support to the tune of Ugx.500 million towards this year’s MTN Kampala Marathon.

Dominic Otucet, the President of UAF lauds the MTN Kampala Marathon for the platform that it has provided in terms of identifying world-class athletes as well as using athletics to drive charity.

“We thank MTN for sticking with us for the last 19 years, from 2004 when we had the inaugural MTN Kampala Marathon until now. We at UAF value and cherish this partnership,” Otucet says, “Our partnership with MTN has enabled our good performance in athletics, which has become a golden sport in Uganda. We are happy to be advancing sport while making a positive impact in our communities.”

Proceeds from this year’s Marathon shall be used to upgrade maternal and newborn services in four selected health facilities across the country. The beneficiary health facilities include Kisenyi and Kawaala health facilities in the suburbs of Kampala plus those in Kachumbala (Teso sub-region) and Kabong (Karamoja sub-region).

The MTN Kampala Marathon has since its inception raised over Ushs 4.4 billion through the marathon sponsors’ contributions as well as marathon kit sales to the 247,000 marathon participants who have been buying the kits since 2004 up to date.

This money has benefitted several causes such as helping expectant mothers with maternity kits, resettling people
displaced by war in northern Uganda, delivering clean water and improving sanitation in communities and schools, and most recently, equipping and improving maternal units in several health facilities across the country.

The MTN Marathon pledges to continue playing its role in connecting and uniting Ugandans and fellow corporate citizens to causes that make a difference in the lives of thousands if not millions across the country.

Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider has today boosted the 2022 edition of the MTN Kampala Marathon with UGX 280,000,000 shillings towards child and maternal health care in Uganda.

The confirmation and official Cheque handover ceremony took place today at Huawei Uganda Offices at the Cube Building, Kisementi in Kampala.

Huawei which has been a sponsoring partner of the MTN Kampala Marathon for the last 8 years confirmed that it will fully participate in this year’s Marathon at Kololo.

“Huawei Uganda has sponsored and participated in the MTN Marathon since 2012 under various themes from Run for Life, Run for water, Run for maternal care and this year’s run for babies where the proceeds from this year’s Marathon shall be used again to upgrade maternal and newborn facilities in health centers across Uganda,”
says Mr. Gao Fei, The Managing Director of Huawei Uganda.

“We have a slogan “A BETTER U FOR A BETTER UGANDA”, this contribution aligns with our Huawei Uganda slogan because when we have a better U which includes our mothers and little infants/babies, we will all have a better Uganda. This then explains why we have come out to continue to sponsor this marathon with 280 million Uganda shillings. We are sure that with this contribution, Uganda can only be a better place for the mothers and the babies we are running for this year,” He added.

Somdev Sen, the MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer, hailed Huawei for its partnership and continued support for the MTN Kampala Marathon over the years, which has greatly impacted communities across the country.

“I applaud Huawei for being a true partner who works with us across all our objectives and ambitions. Not only is Huawei working with us to create amazing technology and service platforms in terms of building the best-in-class connectivity, they have also stood by us firmly in our journey to create shared value by supporting the MTN Kampala Marathon for over 8 years,” said Somdev.

“I am happy to note that even this year as we run for babies, Huawei runs with us to create that shared value which we have always kept at the core of our purpose as MTN.”

The 2022 edition of the MTN Kampala Marathon will be held on Sunday 20th November at the Kololo independence grounds under the theme “Run for babies”.

Runners will participate in the full marathon (42Km), half marathon (21Km), the 10Km race, and 5Km race. All the proceeds from this year’s Marathon shall go towards improving child and maternal health in four selected health centers across the country.

The beneficiary health facilities include Kisenyi and Kawaala health facilities in the suburbs of Kampala plus those in Kachumbala (Teso sub-region) and Kabong (Karamoja sub-region) Huawei staff have also confirmed participation in the MTN Kampala Marathon 2022.