Alex Balimwikungu and Gilbert Mwijuke
23 November 2008
Kampala — FORGET Barrack Obama's November 4 history. History was re-written yesterday, as over 10,000 runners turned up for the fifth edition of the MTN marathon.
The biggest sporting spectacle in Uganda's calendar somehow managed to accommodate the huge number of participants, sponsors MTN and event organisers, Silk Events merited a medal of their own.
For the record, the woman with one of the shortest strides, musician, Sarah Short ran but failed in her pursuit of completing the race. Nevertheless her fans cheered her.
Another artiste, Bobi Wine, (did he notify his ghetto residents to line up the streets?) saved all his energy for the Kamwokya section. Wine ran like a possessed man, prompting claims he joined the race from Dream Studios in Kamwokya!
He actually caused a stampede in which a Boda Boda cyclist badly bruised a marathoner. A section of marathoners abandoned the race and meted justice on the cyclist. Bobi Wine's cabinet led by Buchaman were at hand to receive him as he crossed the finish line.
Bobi Wine's nemesis, Jose Chameleone, even after declaring he would participate in the wheel chair category was a no show.
Many abandoned fortune for fashion. Super FM CEO, Pastor Peter Ssematimba was the guilty party. Ipod, designer sneakers, and customised kit, it was all there. Ssematimba virtually 'employed' whoever overtook him.
"You are really good. I will employ you. I love fit employees," he told whoever overtook him. He should be ready to employ many, as thousands overtook him. His fellow CEO, New Vision's Robert Kabushenga was a mixture of both.
He posted 2:17:42 in the 21 km race, emerging best among all five entrants from New Vision. Kabushenga later promised them memos.
Former ethics minister Tim Lwanga would never have chosen a better way to celebrate his birthday. He posted an enviable time. Buganda Kingdom was fairly represented with Prince David Wasajja posting 2: 40:30 in the 21km category.
CBS FM's Kato Lubwama's humour has such a contagious effect on those around him. Cracking jokes, he walked almost the entire race, compelling other would-be runners to walk along and drown in the humour.
Still in the FM radio fraternity, Radio Simba's Charles Ssenkubuge was reportedly rushed to Mulago hospital.
The loudest cheers though were spared for one Gertrude Nalugwa, who currently weighs 150kgs. Nalugwa covered the 10kms in one hour 45 minutes, but unfortunately she collapsed there after.
That we all ran for life, posterity promises more for the suffering mothers in IDP camps, to whom the proceeds will be given.
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