It is now all systems go after authorities of Mbale City and neighboring areas gave the second edition of the UNDP Elgon Half Marathon with Joshua Cheptegei a thumbs-up.
In a meeting at Mbale Courts View Hotel in upscale Mbale City on Monday, a team comprising Joshua Cheptegei Development Foundation members, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) officials, Mbale City political and technical officials, and security personnel, discussed the details of the run, which was described as progressive and impressive.
In a speech delivered for him by board member Justine Yeko, the World and Olympic Champion, Joshua Cheptegei, emphasized the significance of this event, noting that it won’t just be running for personal bests; “but we’re running for the future of our planet”.
“The Elgon region, my hometown, is blessed with breathtaking beauty. But we’re also acutely aware of the environmental challenges facing our community. Climate change, deforestation, and habitat destruction threaten our natural heritage,” Cheptegei said in the speech.
“Through this half marathon, we’re promoting conservation, sustainability, and social inclusion. We’re empowering women and youth, boosting local economies, and showcasing the beauty of Elgon. As an athlete, I know the power of perseverance and teamwork. Let’s join hands in this,” he added.
Lorna Pascqa Abur, the Tourism Associate Officer at the UNDP, said they were all set for the do that takes place on November 2, putting emphasis on the need to end gender based violence.
“All forms of violence especially towards women and girls must come to a stop. I urge all the men who are here today to support us in condemning these forms of abuse. Protect and defend your mothers, sisters, wives, girlfriends, and daughters. Women and girls are key pillars in our communities,” Ms Abur said.
The Foundation’s board member in charge of sports and also the national athletics coach, Njia Benjamin, said the runners were going to have a great show this time.
“The routes for this year’s run have changed completely. Due to better upgraded roads, We expect faster times. The routes now have a smooth touch on your racing shoe, giving you better running experience,” he said.
The Secretary for social service Mbale city, Ms Aisha Mutonyi, said the Elgon Half Marathon will help to highlight the issues of environmental degradation in the subregions of Bugisu and Sebei.
“We suffer a lot due to environmental degradation in our region so when we have activities that are geared towards restoration of the environment, we must embrace it, ” she said.
The Deputy RCC, Mbale city , Mr Hamùza Banja, urged locals to participate in the marathon, saying its aims such as conservation of environment and fighting gender based violence are pertinent.
“Vices like GBV are bad and they are common in our communities. They are failing government programmes such as PDM and Emyooga, ” he said.
Some of the partners for the Run are TotalEnergies, Stanbic Bank, Kima Cement, Infinix, Uganda Athletics Federation, Amref Health Africa, NFA, UWA, Uganda Airlines, Nile Breweries, Nivana, UNIDO, NEMA, UTB, Spotlight Initiative, Nation Media Group, Vision Group, NBS Sport, and UBC.
Register now for the Elgon Half Marathon and be part of a historic event uniting athletes, conservationists, and community champions.
Event Details:
Registration link: bit.ly/elgonhalfmarathon
Date: November 2, 2024
Location: Mbale City, Eastern Uganda
Distance: 21km (Half Marathon), 10km, 5km
Categories: Men, Women, children, etc
