The Watoto Juba City Marathon is set to take place on October 3 in the capital city of Juba, South Sudan. The event will feature three races: a 21-kilometre half marathon, a 10-kilometre race, and a 5-kilometre race. The marathon aims to raise funds to support vulnerable women through entrepreneurship training, mentorship, financial literacy, and start-up capital. This annual event is organized by Watoto Church Juba and has become a significant initiative in the community.
According to Marko Akol, Secretary General of the South Sudan Athletics Federation, this year's event marks the first time the federation has organized three races on the same day. Akol announced that preparations for the marathon have been completed, including route measurement, route clearance, and security arrangements. He expressed confidence in the event's success, stating that the route is clear and security will be in place.
The Watoto Juba City Marathon is an initiative of Watoto Church Juba aimed at raising funds for its Neighborhood Programme. The programme supports vulnerable women through entrepreneurship training, mentorship, financial literacy, and start-up capital. The goal is to help women establish sustainable livelihoods and become financially self-reliant. Pastor Richard Menya of Watoto Church emphasized that the initiative focuses on mothers facing abandonment, rejection, and difficulties in providing for their children.
Pastor Menya explained that supporting vulnerable mothers requires significant resources, but even small acts of support can give women hope and restore their confidence in their ability to provide for their families. He stated that the marathon is intended to demonstrate solidarity with mothers who struggle daily to provide food, care, and a sense of home for their children. The event aims to raise awareness and funds to support these women.
This year's marathon aims to raise funds to support 250 mothers, who will receive training, skills development, and start-up capital, followed by continued support to help them establish businesses and generate income for their families. Menya emphasized that the "Run with Hope" campaign is not only a sporting event but also an expression of solidarity with vulnerable mothers and their children.
According to Menya, some mothers who have participated in the programme have acquired skills that have enabled them to identify business opportunities and improve their livelihoods. The initiative has had a positive impact on the community, and the church hopes to continue supporting vulnerable women through this programme. The event is expected to draw participants and spectators from across the community.
The races will begin early in the morning, and organizers encourage interested participants to register and take part in the event. With its focus on supporting vulnerable women and promoting community development, the Watoto Juba City Marathon has become a significant event in South Sudan's sporting calendar. The event is expected to promote hope and solidarity with mothers who struggle daily to provide for their families.
Key points
- The Watoto Juba City Marathon aims to raise funds to support 250 vulnerable mothers in South Sudan.
- The event features three races: a 21-kilometre half marathon, a 10-kilometre race, and a 5-kilometre race.
- The marathon promotes entrepreneurship training, mentorship, financial literacy, and start-up capital for vulnerable women.
