Sixth Makerere Marathon set for September 27

All is set for the sixth edition of the Makerere Marathon, scheduled for September 27 under the theme, "Run the Hills for the Future." The event is organized by the Makerere University Endowment Fund.

The marathon, which began as a simple fun run before attaining full marathon status last year, is expected to attract 7,500 runners, up from the 5,000 participants who officially took part in the 2025 edition.

Organized in partnership with NCBA Bank as the platinum sponsor, this year's event will, for the second consecutive year, raise funds to expand opportunities for inclusive, quality education for students with disabilities.

Makerere University Endowment Fund Chairperson, Dr. Margaret Kigozi, said proceeds from the marathon will continue supporting the university's Disability Support Unit to ensure that students with disabilities have greater access to learning materials and assistive technologies that enable them to fully participate in university life.

"In 2021, the Endowment Fund was valued at Shs8.88 billion. Today it has grown to Shs17 billion, which has enabled us to strengthen support for the Disability Support Unit," Kigozi said.

She also applauded the university for reviving and growing a tradition she personally experienced as a first-year medical student in 1970.

"In our days, the race started from Entebbe to Makerere Freedom Square for the men, while the women began from Kisubi," she recalled.

Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, praised the Makerere University Endowment Fund for its continued commitment to supporting students with disabilities.

"We now have more than 100 modern computers for students with disabilities, as well as specialized equipment for the blind and the deaf. However, the Disability Support Unit still requires more funding, and we call upon more partners to come on board, starting by participating in the marathon," Nawangwe said.

NCBA Bank Chief Executive Officer, Mark Muyobo, reaffirmed the bank's commitment to supporting the annual event.

"We shall continue supporting this marathon because it promotes both community development and education, especially by giving hope and opportunity to students with disabilities. We pledged support for five years, and this is now our second year," Muyobo said.

Makerere Marathon captain Charles Miti said the event will be conducted according to international standards and will serve as a qualifying race for several prestigious marathons, including the Cape Town Marathon, the Comrades Marathon in South Africa, the Nairobi Marathon, and others.

"FinishTime, the international timing organization, will manage the race timing to ensure international standards are met," Miti said.

The marathon will feature races over 3km for persons with disabilities, 5km, 10km, 21km (half marathon), and the full 42km marathon.

Miti added that several professional running clubs, including First and Furious, Tooke Team, Kyewaggula, Sure and Steady Bikers, Team Comrades, Team Nakasero, and Mutungo Bus, as well as many individual runners, have already confirmed their interest in participating.