Pros, Seasoned Runners Dominate Winners in Mbarara MTN Marathon

Thousands of people took part in the Mbarara edition of the annual MTN Marathon, the first to be held in the Western Uganda town, despite the mist and rain showers.

Salimo David from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) challenged the other runners in the men’s 10 kilometers run while Ajok Dorcus from Uganda Prisons Athletics Club took top position in the women’s 10 kilometers run.

The Mbarara edition was the last one of the regional MTN marathons after successful ones in Gulu and Mbale recently.

Salimo had taken part in the runs in Gulu and Mbale only to finish 5th and 6th respectively. But Sunday was his lucky day. He revealed that he intends to partake in the final run in Kampala slated for next week.

“I want to take part in either the 10km or 21km run next week at the MTN Kampala Marathon next Sunday,” said the UWA staffer.

On her part, Ajok Dorcus, a middle distance runner who beat the women is not new in the country’s athletics. She took part in the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Uganda last year. She is well known in the track events and won gold at the 2016 All Africa University Games held in Johannesburg, South Africa.

“I came here to look for long distance endurance experience as I prepare for the runs next year” she said.

She too is looking to run in the 10km MTN Kampala marathon.

In April this year, Ajok got promoted to Assistant Matron by the Commissioner General of Prisons for having represented Uganda at the Common Wealth Games in Australia 2018.

Chelimo Calvin and Cheko Moi both from KCCA took top honors in the men and women’s 5km race, while Sunday Sarius and Chemutai Vincent from Uganda Police took second and third places in the men’s 5km run.

Uganda Prisons’ Chelangat Rebecca and Chebet Aisha from Arua finished in similar place in the women’s 5km run.

Popular singer, Jose Chameleone and King Saha entertained the runners shortly after a warm down session and prize giving ceremony.