As an Olympic gold medalist, Cheptegei’s initiative goals to advertise athletics in Uganda whereas supporting necessary social and environmental causes.
The second version of the extremely anticipated Elgon Half Marathon, that includes world-renowned athlete Joshua Cheptegei, is about for November 2nd.
Organised by the Joshua Cheptegei Basis in partnership with the United Nations Growth Programme (UNDP), this 12 months’s occasion carries the theme: “Operating for Local weather Motion, Inclusive Financial Development, and the Elimination of Gender-Based mostly Violence (GBV).”
As an Olympic gold medalist, Cheptegei’s initiative goals to advertise athletics in Uganda whereas supporting necessary social and environmental causes.
The marathon is not going to solely enhance sports activities tourism within the scenic Elgon area but in addition promote group participation and environmental sustainability.
This 12 months’s marathon may even function a tree-planting drive, with 1,500 saplings supplied by the Nationwide Forestry Authority (NFA) and Uganda Airways.
Throughout a symbolic occasion at Court docket View Lodge, Benjamin Njia, second vice chairman for Technical Affairs on the Uganda Athletics Federation, unveiled the marathon’s new routes.
The 20-kilometre route, ranging from Cricket Floor, will take runners by the realm’s gorgeous landscapes, whereas the 5km and 10km routes will start at Republic Avenue and cross landmarks just like the Mbale Resort Lodge.
Njia emphasised that the marathon route has been licensed by the World Athletics Federation, guaranteeing that file occasions will qualify athletes for skilled recognition.
He additionally introduced elevated prize cash for this 12 months’s race, encouraging extra participation.
By way of his basis’s consultant, Justin Jims Yeko, Cheptegei urged Ugandans and worldwide supporters to affix the occasion.
“Let’s run, stroll, or cycle collectively for a standard goal–promoting a more healthy way of life, constructing stronger communities, and securing a sustainable future. I invite our worldwide mates to expertise the heat and hospitality of Mbale,” Cheptegei mentioned.
Cheptegei additionally highlighted the marathon’s broader objectives: “We’re empowering ladies and youth, boosting native economies, and showcasing the fantastic thing about the Elgon area.”
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Lorna Pascqua Abur, UNDP’s Uganda Tourism Mission Officer, careworn the occasion’s significance in diversifying Uganda’s tourism choices by sports activities.
“For Uganda to stay aggressive as a nature-based vacation spot, we should diversify. Collaborating with world figures like Joshua Cheptegei helps us obtain this imaginative and prescient,” Abur remarked. She known as on locals to help the marathon, envisioning it as a future worldwide draw.
Mbale metropolis authorities, represented by the mayors in absentia, urged residents to take part in giant numbers as hosts. Contributors are required to buy a marathon equipment, which prices Shs30,000 and features a vest, water bottle, and bag.
This occasion not solely emphasizes the worth of athletics but in addition demonstrates a dedication to sustainability and group growth, making the Elgon Half Marathon a major occasion for each native and worldwide stakeholders.
