Uganda Athletics Steps Up To control Unauthorized Marathons.
As different entities, including the private sector, cultural groups, and religious organizations, continue to use marathons as a major activity to promote various themes, Uganda Athletics has stepped up to stop unauthorized marathons and road runs.
In a press briefing held at Uganda Athletics in Nakasero, along Entebbe Road, on Tuesday, September 8, Federation President Dominic Otucet stated:
“We are coming up to stop unauthorized marathons; not even just marathons, but road running, because a marathon is exactly 42km.”
He added:
“The half marathon is 21km, and any other distance, such as 10km or 5km, constitutes road running. The major issue is that we do not want to be blamed for things we are not involved in. If they organize an event successfully, that is fine, but when things go wrong, the blame turns to Uganda Athletics.”
Delegate for South West, Apollo Musherure, expressed concern over integrity at the briefing, stating:
“This is a serious matter because some of these people, on multiple occasions, announce prize money and then run away from the athletes, leaving us to meet the obligations.”
The initiative starts with immediate effect, tasking institutions and individuals to request authorization from Uganda Athletics to certify events and provide technical oversight from local area member associations where the events are organized.
