By URN
The Joshua Cheptegei Foundation has officially launched the Elgon Half Marathon, set to take place on November 2, 2024, in Mbale City. The launch event was held today at Court View Hotel and was attended by various leaders from Mbale City and development partners.
During a press conference, Justin Yeko, the coordinator of the Joshua Cheptegei Foundation, emphasized that the marathon aims to promote the talents of young people and boost tourism in the region. “We are committed to organizing such marathons annually to enhance tourism in Eastern Uganda,” Yeko stated.
Lorna Pascqa Abur, the tourism project officer at UNDP, one of the partners in the initiative, highlighted that the marathon will target all classes of people from the Mbale region and beyond. She urged the public to participate in the marathon as a means to promote the Elgon region and enhance tourism.
Hamuza Banja, the Industrial City Division Assistant Resident District Commissioner, mentioned that several roads, including Republic Street and Naboa, will be temporarily closed to accommodate the marathon participants.
The Joshua Cheptegei Foundation was founded by Uganda’s long-distance runner, Joshua Kiprui Cheptegei, the current world record holder for the 5000 meters and the 10,000 meters, and holds the world’s best time over the 15-kilometer distance.
