Stanbic Bank has contributed Ugx 250 million to the 2019 MTN Kampala Marathon that is slated to take place on 24th November this year.
A cheque of 250 million Uganda shillings was handed over by the bank’s Chief Executive Officer Patrick Mweheire to the MTN CEO Wim Vanhelleputte today at Crested Towers, Kampala.
The 16th edition of the MTN marathon kicked off last weekend on Sunday in Soroti for Eastern Region run where over 2000 marathoners turned up covering distance of 10km. Kwemoi Andrew and Chesang Doreen won the race for men and women respectively.
Some winners accompanied by Chepkurui Mathew and Chamutai Doreen who came second among other professional athletics are expected to travel to Arua district for Northern run this weekend on Sunday to compete for the cash prizes. The first seven winners will receive money with the first taking 750,000 shillings and second taking 450,000 shillings at regional level.
During the Stanbic Bank handover of 250 Uganda shillings cheque contribution at its head offices, MTN CEO Wim Vanhelleputte credited Stanbic bank for the continued support. “The success of MTN Kampala marathon would not be where it is today without the support of the key partners like Stanbic. Together, we have continued to encourage thousands of Ugandans to contribute towards needy communities every year.
Maternal health is an area that requires improvement especially in terms of seeking, reaching and adequate and appropriate care. Through such partnership, we will be able to improve these conditions to esure safe childbirth for women, Said Vanhelleputte ECO MTN Uganda.
Patrick Mweheire says that the high maternal mortality rate is the reason why they are supporting the marathon.
“We are pleased again to be annual partner in the MTN Marathon, a remarkable event that reaches out thousands of Ugandans through initiative that aim to transform lives in our communities. Our objective as a bank is to build on the 16 years of success not only through our financial support but also through participation of our staff. This will contribute on number of runners at the marathon.”
“Over 200 staff members will participate,” said Muheirwe.
After the Arua marathon, the participants and athletes will travel to Makasa 17thNovember and later come to Kampala on Sunday 24thNovember for the main marathon at Kololo independence grounds.
Runners will participate in 42Km, 21Km, 10Km race and 5Km wheelchair race/fun run. A total of over 130 million Uganda shilling is up for grab with number in 42km expected to take home over 20 million shillings package.