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KIU Athletes Shine at 2025 Bunyonyi Marathon

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By Isaac Akugizibwe

KIU, Main Campus – Kampala International University (KIU) athletes Ronald Kibet, Jamiru Ndibailawa, Joshua Chepkwurui, and Dickens Kinyera claimed the top four positions in the 10-kilometer race at the 2025 Bunyonyi Marathon in Kabale on Saturday, January 25th, 2025.

The Bunyonyi Marathon, organized by Gutsy, a running club based in Kampala, is an annual event aimed at promoting sports tourism, fitness, and the preservation of Lake Bunyonyi. The marathon featured races of 42, 21, 10, and 5 kilometers, with the KIU athletes opting for the 10-kilometer race, where they dominated.

The marathon marked the commencement of KIU’s 2025 sports season, with several teams gearing up for national championships. The KIU Rangers and Titans basketball teams are set to resume training in February, ahead of the 2025 National Basketball League. Meanwhile, the KIU Spartans are preparing to compete in the National Woodball Championship, scheduled for March.

Following the marathon, Ronald Kibet recorded the best time of 37:12.71, closely followed by Jamiru Ndibailawa at 37:15.71, Joshua Chepkwurui at 37:16.50, and Dickens Kinyera at 38:20.50, as they secured the top four spots.

"I am very happy to begin 2025 in style. This was my first race of the year. It wasn’t as easy as it seems, especially considering that I hadn’t trained enough," Kibet said after his triumph.

"This victory is very important for me and the university. It will motivate us to train harder for greater things, and I am confident this is our year to shine," he added.

Jamiru Ndibailawa also shared his excitement: “This is a relief for us since we didn’t win any medals in Kenya. I want to thank the University for bringing us here to start the year in what I would call a relieving way".

"For me, this race and our performance were eye-openers. It showed that we can do even better if we focus and train hard," he continued.

The KIU team was led by sports tutor Annet Kabasindi, who expressed her joy at the athletes' success.

"The boys made us proud. What I expected came true. I knew my students would be among the top 10, and indeed, they took 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place. That was a great representation for KIU," she said.

“The reason we participated in the Bunyonyi Marathon was to improve the University’s corporate visibility and showcase what we do, especially in athletics. We also wanted to market our brand, as the Bunyonyi Marathon attracts many people,” she added.

Kabasindi also mentioned that the event had piqued the interest of potential athletes from other areas.

“Besides winning the race, our participation in the Bunyonyi Marathon attracted some talented athletes who have already expressed interest in joining KIU’s team. I want to thank the University for granting us this opportunity to explore new heights," she said.

The university’s impressive performance at the 2025 Bunyonyi Marathon marked a triumphant start of the 2025 sports season. This remarkable performance showcases KIU's commitment to fostering a culture of excellence in sports and academics.