By Bill Dan Arnold Borodi
The Global 5K Run (Global 5 kilometers run), a fundraising campaign is set to take place on 19th October, globally, and on 2nd November in Uganda.
This year’s virtual event is organised by the Uganda Students Program Alumni through Uganda Partners and Uganda Christian University (UCU) Honors College.
The event is aimed at supporting students through the Omega scholarships.
The 5K Global run was Inspired by Abby Bartels, who aimed to contribute meaningfully to UCU after relocating from Mukono to the United States (US).
“The goal is to use the funds raised to support students who face challenges in their final year or semester at UCU. It is meant to help them complete and graduate, knowing that for most students, many family members and friends have helped with their tuition and we want to help them finish so they can make good on that investment by others,” said Mark Bartels, the Executive Director of Uganda Partners.
“All funds raised will go towards scholarships for final year/semester students through Honors College and the UCU financial Aid Office,” Bartels added
The hybrid event allows participants to run, walk, bike,or even canoe in their local areas.
According to Johanna Fretwell the communications manager, Uganda Partners, they will help participants in the same regions connect.
“Typically when many people are in the same region we help them connect so they can make a plan together. I personally live in Kenya and I have a 5K hike that my husband, dog, and I will take on 19 October,” she said.
Last year, approximately 160 participants from seven countries joined the Global 5K run, and this year, organizers anticipate around 100 participants from the diaspora and beyond will take part.
Each participant chooses their own route and method of participation, promoting creativity.
Whereas registration costs $25 for international participants, in Uganda, participants will get caps, bibs, and T-shirts at Shs10,000, Shs20,000 and Shs30,000 respectively.
Participants shall register at and receive the sports gear from the Honours College.
Mr Dickson Tumuramye the Head of Honors College said that they are ready and excited about this year’s edition of the run. Initially, the fund from the run benefited students belonging to Honors College, but this year, it will be open to students from the rest of the university.
“Over the years, about 600 Honors College students have benefited,” said Tumuramye.
The run that attracts partners like Coca Cola, Rotary, MTN and Corporation For Africa & Overseas (CFAO) will be marking its seventh year since its inception in 2015.
