19 year-old Ugandan runner Denis Cherotich, who participated in the IAAF World U20 Championships in Finland (Men’s 3000m steeplechase) is the winner of the 10KM race at the 2019 MTN Kampala Marathon.

A while ago, the young runner arrived at the finish line in 29 minutes and 50 seconds (00:29:59) faster than anyone else in his category.

Over 25,000 people were at the Kololo Independence Grounds by 6 am today morning to take part in the marathon whose proceeds will all go towards benefiting the state of maternal health care in the country.

Last year, the marathon raised about 1.3Bn that was all dedicated to the same cause (maternal health) in 5 health centres across the country.

Present at the flagging off of runners today was the Minister of Health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng and the MTN Uganda CEO Wim Vanhelleputte.

“I am very happy to flag off the thousands of runners at the MTN Marathon this morning. All proceeds from this marathon will go towards boosting maternal health in Uganda.” Dr. Aceng said. 

“A huge thank you to MTN Uganda for prioritizing the health of our mothers and children. Thank you. Let’s continue to run for life and run for our health.” She added.

The other competitors were in the 21km race. 42km and the people with disabilities who participated in a 5km race using tricycles.

The Marathon is organised by MTN Uganda, Stanbic Bank, Rwenzori, Huawei and New Vision. There were regional marathons leading up to the main one in Kampala. They took place in Masaka, Soroti and Arua.