By George Bukenya
In a bid to improve the tourism sector, government through the Ministry of Education and Sports and the Presidential Advisory Committee on Export and Industrial Development will organize Kampala City Marathon in December, 2024.
According to the Minister of State for Education and Sports in charge of the sports docked Hon. Peter Ogwang, the marathon is aimed at enhancing sports tourism in the country and will be organized by Golazo , an international company that has experience in organizing international marathon events globally. The company has organized before marathon the Nairobi, Rotterdam, Brussels Ghent among others.
The marathon that is scheduled to take place on 1st December, 2024, will consist of, 42.195 km,21.097km, 10km and 5km is expected to attract athletes from all over the world and is expected to start and finish at Mandela National Stadium.
While addressing the sports reporters at Media Centre in Kampala Hon. Ogwang revealed that Kampala Marathon is planned to last for 10 years and is expected to attrack 65,000 participants during that period of time.
“ The events prior to, during and post Kampala City Marathon will create opportunities to promote the diverse natural beauty ant cultures of our people in addition to creating an avenue for the Ugandan business community to showcase their products and services to the world.’’ The Minister assured.
He further said that, “ it will include showcasing entertainment along the course and finish, a cultural festival and Hall of Fame for marathon.’’
Hon. Ogwang also revealed that the organization of the marathon will be fully funded by Uganda government as a way of encouraging the citizens engage in physical activities as a measure to combat the non-communicable diseases.
Kampala Marathon is earmarked to enhance Uganda’s tourism earnings and to boost the local businesses due to the expected international participants who will be coming from all over the world and according to the minister, a minimum of US $ 6Om will be realized at the end.
Bob Verbeeck the Chief Executive Officer of Golazo an international company from Belgium charged with organizing the marathon said who also addressed reporters said that December was chosen because it will attract many international participants being a holiday period for most Europeans and American.
Besides that, Verbeeck said that other countries globally organize their marathon events in the first, second and third quarters of the year, making December ideal for Uganda.