MTN Marathon

                On December 5^th, 2010, after hardly any training, my friend Tiffany and I decided to run.  The MTN Marathon, which is put on by a local phone company, sponsors a marathon, a half-marathon, and a 10k (due to my lack of training, I opted for the 10k).  In the weeks leading up to the race I saw tons of people running the streets of Kampala to prepare for the big day.  Attire didn’t matter – people’s training attire ranged from tattered sandals and dresses to nice athletic gear that one would commonly find in any of the sports stores in the U.S. 

                To avoid the heat, the race began at 7:00 am.  To accommodate the crowd of over 20,000 runners; however, we were asked to come at 6:00 am.  In a place that is generally unorganized and on “African time”, the race was surprisingly organized and timely.  We were given packets several days before the race which included a bag, visor, informational packet, and tracking device for only 10,000 Ugandan Schillings (~$5)!  Additionally, since so many people were gathered within a small space, security was strictly enforced to prevent any sort of violence or terrorist attack.  We were subjected to metal screenings, pat-downs, and had to check any bags we may have brought.



Our view upon arrival to the race – makes me excited to see DIA in a few days :)



 

Waiting with Tiffany for the race to begin

A sea of yellow

                As the gunshot sounded and the race began, everyone began pushing and forcing themselves toward the front.  I would be surprised if no one was injured or trampled in the first several minutes of the race.  After about a kilometer; however, the crowd thinned out slightly.



Approaching my neighborhood

Some supporters and regulatory officials along the route

Nearing the finish line



Coming is 3889th out of over 20,000 people isn't so bad, is it?



Some of the Come Let's Dance staff coming to support us