Nathan Omusugu has been crowned the winner of the maiden Abel Dhaira memorial marathon that took place at the lakeside town of Jinja on Heroes day.
The run was organized mainly to collect funds to put up a monument of the late Cranes keeper at the Tobacco grounds where he started his career.
Nathan Omusungu (037) was the overall winner of the maiden Dhaira marathon.
The marathon.
Over 500 people participated in the event that had four different categories; 5 and 10 kilometers for the men and ladies respectively.
Uganda Cranes Captain Geoffrey Massa was among the participants while Hon. Same Kidedi a former Eastern region youth MP and current ambassador for Uganda in the Nordes Islands was the guest of honor.
Fans from Kampala pose after completing the race.
“We expected to around 300 runners but the number doubled at the last minute,” the event’s chief organizer Faisal Mayemba told Chimp Sport. “Our target is to get about UGX 30M and we hope to achieve it to fully complete the monument.”
“One of the aims of the monument is to remind the upcoming talent in the region that they can make it far and also celebrate the life of Dhaira. He represented us very well out there.”
Chimpsport learnt that the stadium is now under local football body Fufa and is earmarked for the FIFA goal v project where an artificial turf will be laid. The grounds have also been renamed Abel Dhaira memorial stadium.
‘Camera shy’ Massa (blue cap) taps a steward after crossing the line
Winners
10 km Men.
1. Nathan Omusugu
2. Dickson Waiswa
3. Richard Amudu
Women.
1. Veronica Nanyondo
2. Claire Adong
3. Asmat Nagoya
5km- Men
1. Zaidi Otuma
2. Ronald Sekitto
3. Ronald Mukwana
Women.
1. Mariam Namusoke
2. Zahara Mutesi
3. Brenda Aketch