UNDP Elgon Half Marathon with Joshua Cheptegei coming to Mbale on 28 October 2023
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Joshua
Cheptegei Development Foundation (JOCDF) today unveiled the UNDP Elgon Half Marathon, a sports tourism product set to elevate the profile of Uganda’s Elgon region as a world-class tourism destination. The marathon is designed to amplify the need for climate action and biodiversity conservation in the Elgon region, broaden inclusive and meaningful community participation within the tourism value chain, and diversify Uganda’s tourism offering.
The UNDP Elgon Half Marathon with Joshua Cheptegei will take place in Mbale on Saturday 28 October 2023 and feature 5km, 10km, and 21km running events traversing the foothills of the breathtaking Mount Elgon National Park.
Mr. Joshua Cheptegei, reigning Olympic Champion, World record-holder of the 5,000m and 10,000m events, and three-time 10,000m World Champion, has brokered a partnership with UNDP to champion climate action and biodiversity conservation while ensuring that tourism activities enable inclusive and sustainable development within the Elgon region. The UNDP Elgon The Half Marathon will feature Mr. Joshua Cheptegei as well as teammates and training partners including Victor Kiplangat, Stephen Kissa, Peruth Chemutai, Halima Nakaayi, Winnie Nanyondo, and several other elite athletes.
Several Government entities and private sector companies have joined this cause including the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Wildlife Authority, National Forestry Authority, Vision Group, Next Media, MTN, and TotalEnergies.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change, working with a broad network of experts and partners to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. The Joshua Cheptegei Development Foundation (JOCDEF) was formed with the purpose of transforming communities into strong, united, and influential partners in development. Its main agenda is to use sports for community transformation with the vision of a community that enjoys socio-economic development and security.