By 
- Event – Kawempe Mile Race
- Date – 28th December 2024
- Start/ End point – Teryet High Altitude Training Centre, Kapchorwa.
After a successful Inaugural Race in 2022, the Kawempe Mile Race second edition returns bigger and better.
It was launched at Highland Hotel in Kapchorwa District with the coordinator Mark Cherop conducting the ceremony with the presence of other dignitaries from Local Government and the race partners.
The theme of this year’s Mile Race is “To Fight against Gender Based Violence and Corruption in Sports.”
Scheduled for 28th December 2024, the Race will be run at the Teryet High Altitude Training Centre in Kapchorwa.
Current top athletes in the track races Tom Dradiga (Men) and Knight Aciru (Women) won big in the first edition of Kawempe Mile Race held in Kawempe Division, Kampala last year.
Knight Aciru
Tom Dradiga.
Registration is free for both Elite and Amateur athletes at Kawempe Mile Race website and Kapchorwa Trinity FM offices.
The Kawempe Mile Race is deemed to be the highest paid run in Uganda per 400m and is organized in a mobile format.
“The aim is to inspire more athletes to take part in middle distance running.” Kawempe Mile Race Organizer Abdul Semu stated
It’s a race that even a non-runner can take part in without requiring massive blocks of training that other distances require and that’s why it’s a mile.” Semu explained.
Adding that; “The race also unites athletes from 400m all the way to the marathon with the mile. It’s the only distance on the track that can be run by even non-athletes.”
“There are a lot of barriers in Ugandan athletics, one of them being that many talented upcoming athletes cannot afford transport to get to races.”
“It is a reason why we created a mobile race that will be hosted in different areas in Uganda to give a chance and a platform to those athletes” Semu concluded .
The 2024 Kawempe Mile Race Coordinator and Partner, Mark Cherop highlighted that this year’s race will be about Gender based violence and fighting against corruption;
Mark Cherop.
“We have received overwhelming numbers registering for this race, it is only because of the course we have this year, fighting against Gender based violence and fighting against corruption.” Cherop said.
“It has been a tough year for the people of Sebei, where we have lost athletes due to gender based violence.” Chelop added.
Benjamin Arap, the Head of Communications – Kapchorwa District said this race had come at a very good time;
Benjamin Arap – Head of Communication, Kapchorwa District.
“This race is very important to the district and the Sebei community at large, it has come in a period when gender based violence is on high in our communities here in Kapchorwa.”
“Seeing people and organisations coming up to fight it, we are really very grateful.” Arap said.
Martin Mongusho, a Partner of the Kawempe Mile Race recognized the winner’s cash Prize labeling it ‘Good cash prize’;
L-R: Mungusho and Mark Cherop.
“Apart from fighting gender based violence, there is also a good cash prize for the race which I think is good to motivate the people of the community.” Mongusho said.
Martin Mungusho.
“It is also a healthy run for those of us who want to cut excessive weight.” He concluded
At the end of all races, Cash Prizes will be spread out to all categories as listed below;
Senior’s Category
The winners of this year’s Kawempe Mile Race will walk away with 1,000,000shs (One million Uganda Shillings) in both of the senior categories (Men and Women)
The first Runners-up will take 500,000shs (Five Hundred Thousand Shillings) while the second Runners-up will take home 200000shs (Two Hundred Thousand Shillings).
Junior’s category (17-12 Years)
The winners in both Boys and Girls will enjoy the New Year with 300,000shs (Three Hundred Thousand Shillings).
First Runners-up 200,000shs (Two Hundred Thousand Shillings) while the second Runners-up will pocket 100,000shs (One Hundred Thousand Shillings).
