After a rain-delayed start to the MTN and UAF Wheelchair and Tricycle 10kms road races, the climax provided for some exciting scenes. The road races took place on Sunday, November 12, 2017, starting the Shell Lugogo and ending at the MTN Lugogo Arena.
In the hotly contested 10kms Wheelchair road race, Joseph Tebandeke with less than a kilometer to go was able to overtake Ocira Richard to cross the finish line in 28:47:6 minutes. His win also required some bit of luck as Ocira while making the final two bends before the finish line, lost control of the wheelchair and fell. That is how Tebandeke was able to capitalize and bring it home.
“We had been neck and neck for the entire race until he tried to maneuver a corner and I overtook him. I am happy to have finally won this year’s road race. Last year I was third. So, this is an improvement,” Tebandeke said after the race.
For Ocira, there was the disappointment despite him being able to get up and finish second despite nearly being overtaken by Kevin Mubiru. Ocira in part blamed the morning downpour that resulted in slippery roads, making it hard for him to maneuver some bends.
The top three will be awarded their prize money next Sunday, 19th November 2017 at the MTN Kampala Marathon. Registration for the MTN Kampala Marathon is still ongoing at several MTN service centers. The edition in 2017 will focus on supporting causes, which participants have the choice to choose from. They include; improving maternal health services in Kiswa and Komamboga health centers or replacing cancer-causing asbestos roofing in Kampala schools.
In the women category for the Wheelchair road race, Acayo Polline won it in 54:05:7 minutes ahead of Biira Rebecca and former champion Kyalimba Vasta. In the tricycle category for men, Muhammed Ngobi pipped it, whereas Mariam Kasibina won the women category.
“I am so excited about winning this race. I did not expect and I thank God who was able to see through this entire tough route,” an excited Kasibina said.
It was an opportunity for marathon participants in the wheelchair category to come out and participate. Supporting the athletics for the disabled reveals how much MTN looks to inclusive sport across the board.
The top 3 in each of the two races will win prize money, in total valued Ugx.11.2m. Women and men who finished first in both races will win Ugx.1.5m each.