By: Kayiira Jackson
The second edition of Kawempe Mile Race has been launched at Highland Hotel in Kapchorwa District.
This year’s edition is slated to be held on 28th December 2024 at the Teryet High Altitude Training Centre in Kapchorwa.
The race coordinator Mark Cherop who conducted the ceremony in the presence of other dignitaries from Local Government and the race partners asserted that they have received overwhelming numbers who want to take part in the race that has attractive prize money.
“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.” Chelop said.
“It has been a tough year for the people of Sebei, where we have lost athletes due to gender based violence.” Chelop added.
The theme of this year’s Mile Race is “To Fight against Gender Based Violence and Corruption in Sports.”
Abdul Semu, the Kawempe Mile Race Organizer advised athletes to take part in the middle distance running because it also allows non-runners.
“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.”
Benjamin Arap, Head of Communication, Kapchorwa District highlighted the importance of this race to the sebei community.
“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 revealed that the race is not only for fighting gender based violence but also a money making venture through winning prize money.
“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 said.
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.
The 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.
The categories and their prize money
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 second Runners-up will pocket 100,000shs (One Hundred Thousand Shillings).
