Ntungamo roars with historic colourful Coffee marathon, business forum & music concert

Usually silent and calm, several undulating hills in Ntungamo district as Nyakasa, Rwashamaire, Nyakihanga, Kajara, Kyeitampene, Nyabubare, Kahunga, Nyamisha, Mpaama, Kyanji, Kyamate, Kitunga and others breathed to life with the Coffee fete.

This coffee fete, thanks to Dr Nelson Tugume’s Inspire Africa Group (IAG) was well planned and executed to the brim.

An assortment of activities as the Coffee Business and Investment forum, the coffee Baristas’ competitions, the coffee marathon and lively music concert lured thousands of hundreds of people from near and far.

Investors, business moguls, corporate companies, socialites, celebrities, coffee farmers, service providers and many ordinary persons all turned up for a purpose or two.

The center of attraction was in Rwashamaire, the home of the Africa Coffee Park, arguably the largest there is, on the African continent.

“Uganda is among the world’s best coffee producers. The objective at hand now is to add real value to our coffee produced. The Africa Coffee Park in Ntungamo is primed for that” Dr Tugume spoke during the Business forum.

Deputy Speaker of Uganda’s Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa was the chief runner at the Coffee marathon that lured elite runners because of the hefty cash prize fund (Ug.Shs 116,000,000) to the top performers.

Commonwealth gold medalist Dorcus Inzikuru flagged off a section of runners from the famous Lake Nyabihoko.

The main cluster of runners were engaged in the 5KM fun run with a sea of cream shirts roaming around the entire Ntungamo.

By 5 am, the earliest crop of runners had started to move to the respective starting points under misty conditions evaporating from the hills.

20-year-old Silas Rotich from Kapchorwa crossed the finishing line first in the 10 KM men race ahead of Jabeth Arapsatya and Abra Cherotich.

Bukwo’s Kerine Cherop came top in the women 10 KM race with 18 year old Ariziki Chelangat finishing second ahead of Edinah Nemigisha.

21 KM:

Abel Chebet, 32 years excelled in the 21KM men race, beating Mark Kiptoo and Peter Akwech.

Feb Chelogoi and Eluid Cherop finished fourth and fifth respectively.

The women 21 KM race was won by Rachael Chebet Zena (29 years) who crossed the finishing line in a time of 1:21:34.

“Ntungamo presented steeper hills than the ones we have in Bukwo. Nevertheless, It was a worthy race to run. I salute the organizing team” Zena revealed.

Zena beat Esther Chekwemoi (28 years) and Saibi Chebet (21 years) who finished second and third respectively.

Patricia Chekwemboi, Dorcus Ajok, Mercy Chelangat, Annet Chesang, Joy Chepkwemoi, Glory Chebet and Daphine Cherotich took the respective 10 positions.

Main marathon:

With Ntungamo offering the opportune high attitude conditions for long distance runners, the 42 KM event was long awaited.

The men 42 KM race was won by Isaac Masai from Kween district with a time of 2:20:86.

Isaac Kibet settled for silver, posting 2:21:33 and Alex Chesuro finished third to take bronze.

Leonard Chemonges and Alex Mutai completed the top five positions.

For the female gender in the 42 KM race; Merceline Chelangat (28 years old) emerged top.

Dread-locked Emily Chebet scooped silver and Peruth Chemusto was third for bronze.

Deputy speaker Rt. Hon. Tayebwa and music star Bebe Cool officiated at the medal presentation ceremony for the men 42 KM race.

Music concert:

The much awaited music concert drew a capacity crowd after the marathon with passionate energtic performances from the artists.

The gigantic stage paraded was appreciated by Tanzania music icon Diamond Platnum during a special press conference besides Lake Nyabihoko.

Rwanda’s The Ben, Bebe “Big Size” Cool, Eddy Kenzo, Sister Charity, Ray G, Jackie Kazaire and a couple of upcoming stars all performed to the delight of the crowd.

The crowd retired satisfied with pleasure and bundles of joy unlimited keen and eager for a similar fete next year.

The coffee aroma is now the code not only in Ntungamo, Uganda, East Africa, Africa but the entire world alike.

Coffee marathon top performers:

42 KM:

Men:

• Gold: Isaac Masai (10,000,000)
• Silver: Isaac Kibet (7,500,000)
• Bronze: Alex Chesuro (5,000,000)

Women:

• Gold: Merceline Chelangat (10,000,000)

• Silver: Emily Chebet (7,500,000)

• Bronze: Peruth Chemusto (5,000,000)

21 KM:

Men:

• Gold: Abel Chebet (5,000,000) 
• Silver: Mark Kiptoo (3,000,000)
• Bronze: Peter Akwech (2,000,000)

 21 KM (Women):

• Gold: Rachael Chebet Zena (5,000,000)
• Silver: Esther Chekwemoi (3,000,000)

• Bronze: Saibi Chebet (2,000,000)

10 KM:

Men:

• Gold: Sailas Rotich (2,000,000)

• Silver: Jabeth Arapastya (1,500,000)

• Bronze: Abra Cherotich (1,000,000)

Women:

• Gold: Kerine Cherop (2,000,000)

• Silver: Ariziki Chelangat (1,500,000)

• Bronze: Edinah Nemigisha (1,000,000)