KAMPALA, Uganda (UGNEWSLINE) – Every kilometre of a long-distance race tests more than physical strength. It demands preparation, mental resilience and the determination to keep moving when the body begins to tire. Along the way, access to drinking water and energy replenishment can make an important difference to the experience.
This was the spirit of the Matooke C2C Marathon, held under the theme “Run for Your Life,” which brought hundreds of people together along the Kampala-to-Entebbe route to celebrate fitness and healthy living. Carrefour Uganda supported the runners with refreshment points offering drinking water, fresh fruits, glucose for an energy boost and Deep Heat muscle relief.
Particular recognition goes to those who took on the full 42km distance from Kampala to Entebbe. Completing a marathon requires sustained physical effort, careful preparation and considerable mental strength. Every participant who took on the challenge, whether over 21km or a shorter distance, contributed to a shared message about the importance of making time for physical activity.
Among the participants was Mulungi Deo, who took on the 21km race as a personal test of endurance and a commitment to his health.
“Taking on 21km was about pushing my limits and reminding myself of the importance of staying active and taking care of my health. Every kilometre came with its own challenge, but crossing that distance is a reminder of what we can achieve when we keep going,” he said.
Deo’s experience reflects one of the important benefits of running: the opportunity to set a goal, work towards it and discover what the body and mind can achieve through consistent effort. Regular running can improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen muscles and bones, help manage stress and support better sleep. For many people, it also provides a valuable break from daily pressures and a sense of accomplishment that extends beyond the finish line.
But endurance is not built on determination alone. During prolonged exercise, the body loses water through sweat, particularly in warm conditions such as those experienced in Uganda. Replacing these fluids helps regulate body temperature and maintain normal physical function. For longer runs, runners may also need additional carbohydrates and electrolytes, depending on the duration, intensity and amount of fluid lost.
That is where support along the route becomes particularly relevant. Carrefour’s refreshment points provided runners with access to drinking water and fresh fruits, while glucose offered an additional source of readily available energy. Deep Heat muscle relief was also available to participants.
For Deo, these provisions were a welcome part of the race experience.
“Having access to drinking water, fresh fruits and other support along the route was encouraging. It was good to see Carrefour looking out for runners and making the experience a little easier for us,” he said.
The significance of the marathon extended beyond those competing. Hundreds of people turned up to participate, cheer on runners and support the cause, creating a shared experience around health and personal achievement. Their presence demonstrated how sporting events can encourage communities to embrace physical activity and support one another in pursuing healthier lifestyles.
For Carrefour, participating in the marathon was an opportunity to contribute in a practical way to an initiative centred on wellbeing. Through its refreshment points, the retailer supported runners during a physically demanding challenge while reinforcing its Carrefour Cares for All commitment.
The experience also offers a reminder that healthy living does not require everyone to begin with a competitive race. It can start with a daily walk, a short run or a commitment to becoming more active. Building gradually, staying hydrated and allowing time for recovery can help make physical activity safer and more sustainable.
To every runner who took on the challenge, especially those who covered the full 42km from Kampala to Entebbe, and to the sponsors, partners and supporters who helped make the event possible, the achievement deserves recognition.
Because whether the goal is to complete 5km, push through 21km or conquer a full marathon, the journey towards better health begins with showing up, one step at a time.
