Retired New Vision boss Robert Kabushenga and 26 other Ugandans have embarked on the gruelling 90km Comrades Marathon in South Africa this morning.
The team, part of the running club Team Matooke, regularly participates in long-distance marathons, including the recent 45km Kyambogo Relay. The Comrades Marathon is an annual event that challenges even the most daring athletes.
The 27 Ugandans participating are:
- Don Akatukunda
- Noel Thomas Kalunda
- Mbale Siraji
- John Stephen Ilungole
- Albert Marvin Onyia
- Andrew Mwanguhya
- Luke Francis Kiwanuka
- Nathanael Kasozi
- Cherotich Collins
- Girum Fisseha
- Daniel Ligyalingi
- Janet Nakkazi
- Robert Kabushenga
- Ankwasa Paul
- Alex Matovu
- Moses Rutahigwa
- Andrew Muwanga
- Stephen Mugabe Magunda
- Martin Abila
- Fiona Ssozi
- Godfrey Kamya
- Robert Bellarmine Okudi
- Amos Nuwagaba
- Doreen Lwanga
- Bonita Mulelengi
- Charles Mugambe
- Ssozi Gadafi
Among the participants, three are female: Janet Nakkazi, Doreen Lwanga, and Bonita Mulelengi. Fifteen members of the team are first-time participants in the Comrades Marathon. Janet Nakkazi is competing for the third time.
Charles Mugambe, who is participating for the second time, offered advice to the newcomers at a send-off party in Kampala.
“Everyone can run the Comrades, and what matters is finishing,” he said. “But for you to run it and finish, you must not rush it. Run your own race, at your own pace, and you will finish it. Also, walking is allowed. And one of our coaches told us that you don’t walk because you are tired, you walk because you will need that energy for the next demanding section.”
The 86km marathon is equivalent to running from Sheraton Kampala to Entebbe Airport and back. To receive a finisher’s medal, participants must complete the distance in under 12 hours.
Good luck to the team!
