Team Matooke takes part in Berlin Marathon

One of the prominent running clubs in the country Kampala-based ‘Team Matooke’ had 21 of their members participate in the BMW Berlin Marathon on Sunday.

The Ugandans were part of a strong field of runners from across different countries that participated in the annual run which was headlined by the greatest marathoner in history, and world record holder Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge who secured his fifth Berlin Marathon victory on Sunday, in 2:02:42.

He was running in Berlin for the sixth time.

Last year Kipchoge broke his existing marathon world record in Berlin with a time of 2:01.09 from his previous best of 2:01:39. This marked his fourth win and his second world record at the Spree metropolis.

The team Matooke that organises the monthly Kampala-Entebbe 21-42km run, every second Sunday of the month will not be short of experience as some of their members participated in the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon in Kasese earlier this month, whereas others have tested even more grueling races like the Comrades Marathon in South Africa that was held in June.

“Team Matooke #WeRUNKampala exists to unite runners across Uganda with a goal of training them to run a full or half marathon each year,” the club secretary says.

“Several runners are affiliated to the team for annual training and participation in local and regional races like the; Mt. Rwenzori marathon, Rotary Cancer Run, MTN Kampala, Stanchart Nairobi, Kigali, Kilimanjaro, etc, and international races like; Berlin, London, London, New York, Cape Town, Comrades – SA, etc.

“We also participate in several charity runs throughout the year. The team is designed to serve first time runners, as well as experienced marathoners, pulling together Ugandans and other nationalities from a variety of backgrounds.

“Many decorated runners begin their marathon and half-marathon journeys by taking on the monthly challenge and enjoying the hospitality at the club. We offer support and encouragement, coaching and competitive opportunities in the name of running,” Abila stated.

The club is led by a group of four elected officials; President Martin Makumbi, Vice President Francis Ssenkezi, Treasurer Jacqueline Lutaaya, and Secretary Martin Abila.

Last year some members of the club participated in the London, New York City Marathons, Stanchart Nairobi Marathon & Comrades ultra-marathons.

The team to Germany: Juliet Bataringaya, Daniel Musasizi, Tonny Bulega, Roger Izimba, Ronald Kanyike, Herman Kasekende, Agnes Kasule, Patricia Komungalo, Newton Mbaziira, Noelina Mulokwa, John Musiime, Ronald Namugera, Henry Nsubuga, Evelyn Mulinda, Robert Okudi, Albert Onyia, Tony Ssali, Robert Ssozi, Reuben Tumwine and Nathan Ssebadduka.