|
Kampala, Uganda: This year’s MTN Kampala Marathon has attracted 20,200 participants among them the 96 year old veteran runner Dr. Francis Gureme, the oldest amongst them.
The number by far surpasses the organizers target of 15,000 participants but MTN confirmed that arrangements are being made for all registered runners to participate.
While announcing the figures, MTN’s Brand and Sponsorships Manager, Aggrey Kagonyera said Marathon enthusiasts had heeded to this year’s early registration call and the outcome was well beyond expectations. “The organizing committee has taken up the challenge to ensure that everything is in place to accommodate all participants and we expect everything to run smoothly” he said.
Apart from the usual corporate runners, this year’s event seems to have attracted an unusual number of Kampala socialites and entertainment big names such as latest hip- hop sensation and Lugaflow ace GNL Zamba, as well as Bobi Wine and the Fire Base Crew who have entered 16 people. Included amongst this year’s registered runners are team and sports personalities’ from rugby, the MTN Heathens who’ve entered 20 people, basketball registering 20 from FUBA and football including members of the national football team, Uganda Cranes with 20 runners registered. “This indicates that Ugandans from all walks of life appreciate the Marathon and the noble cause that its supports and are thus coming out in big numbers every year to be part of it and make it a way of life. We’re pleased to be the vehicle that provides the platform through which Ugandans can embrace the initiative to help their brothers and sisters who are less privileged” Kagonyera added.
Funds raised this year will go towards helping the less fortunate in society through programmes supported by the Uganda Red Cross. Since inception of the MTN Kampala Marathon in 2004, over 9,000 expectant mothers in Northern Uganda have benefitted from the event through the Uganda Red Cross Mama Bag Appeal.
About the MTN GROUP
Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a multinational telecommunications group, operating in 21 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code: "MTN". As at 30 September 2009, MTN recorded 108,4 million subscribers across its operations in Afghanistan, Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Cyprus, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Republic, Iran, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville), Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Uganda, Yemen and Zambia. The MTN Group is a global sponsor of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ and has exclusive mobile content rights for Africa and the Middle East. Please visit www.mtn.com andwww.mtnfootball.com
|