David GOMBE
The race coordinator Mark Cherop conducted the ceremony with the presence of other dignitaries from Local Government and the race partners.
The theme of this year’s Mile Race is “To Fight against Gender Based Violence and
Corruption in Sports.”
The Mile Race is scheduled for 28th December 2024 at the Teryet High Altitude Training Centre in Kapchorwa.
Current top athletes in the track races Tom Dradiga (Men) and Knight Aciru (Women) won the first edition of Kawempe Mile Race held in Kawempe Division, Kampala last year.
Registration is free for both Elite and Amateur athletes at Kawempe Mile Race website and Kapchorwa Trinity FM offices. The Kawempe Mile Race is deemed to be the highest paid run in Uganda per 400m and is organized in a mobile format.
Abdul Semu, the Kawempe Mile Race Organizer revealed that event will attracts several athletes
“The aim is to inspire more athletes to take part in middle distance running. It’s a race that even a non-runner can take part in without requiring massive blocks of training that other distances require and that’s why it’s a mile.” Semu explained.
“The race also unites athletes from 400m all the way to the marathon with the mile. It’s the only distance on the track that can be run by even non-athletes.”
“There are a lot of barriers in Ugandan athletics, one of them being that many talented upcoming athletes cannot afford transport to get to races.”
“It is a reason why we created a mobile race that will be hosted in different areas in Uganda to give a chance and a platform to those athletes.” Semu added.
Mark Chelop , Coordinator and Partner for 2024 Kawempe Mile Race asserted that they have registered overwhelming numbers of participants
“We have received overwhelming numbers registering for this race, it is only because of the course we have this year, fighting against Gender based violence and fighting for corruption.”
“It has been a tough year for the people of Sebei, where we have lost athletes due to gender based violence.” Chelop added.
Benjamin Arap, Head of Communication, Kapchorwa District noted that the event is great for the people of Kapchorwa
“This race is very important to the district and the Sebei community at large, it has come in a period when gender based violence is on high in our communities here in Kapchorwa. Seeing people and organisations coming up to fight it, we are really very
grateful.” Arap said.
Martin Mongusho Partner, Kawempe Mile Race believes the prize money at stake will motivate the participants.
“Apart from fighting gender based violence, there is also a good cash prize for the race which I think is good to motivate the people of the community.”
“It is also a healthy run for those of us who want to cut excessive weight.” Mongusho
Prize Monies:
Senior’s Category
The winners of this year’s Kawempe Mile Race will walk away with 1,000,000shs (One million Uganda Shillings) in both of the senior categories (Men and Women).
The first Runners-up will take 500,000shs (Five Hundred Thousand Shillings) while the second Runners-up will take home 200000shs (Two Hundred Thousand Shillings).
Junior’s category (17-12 Years) The winners in both Boys and Girls will enjoy the New Year with 300,000shs (Three hundred thousand shillings).
First Runners-up 200,000shs (Two Hundred Thousand Shillings) while the Runners-up will pocket 100,000shs (One Hundred Thousand Shillings).
More Photos at the Launch
