Fifty countries to be represented in the Rwenzori Marathon fourth edition

The Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon not only establishes Uganda as one of East Africa’s premier athletic and tourism events, but it also serves as a platform for talent identification and development.

Abel Chelangat, last year’s winner who claimed his first marathon victory in Kasese, exemplifies the success that this event fosters as it continues to build its reputation as East Africa’s most scenic and impactful marathon. 

Since winning in Kasese, the 30-year-old athlete has since signed with Adidas and has achieved significant success, including winning the Portugal Marathon, finishing sixth in India, and recently claiming victory in the Morocco Marathon, earning over 100 million shillings from these three events.

As the only Ugandan marathon certified by World Athletics, the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon has been recognized by the Two Oceans and Comrades Marathons as an official qualifying race for Africa, opening up opportunities for participants to qualify for major international races. This year’s event on August 23 in Kasese will not be any different.

Addressing the press during the launch of the fourth edition event at Sheraton Hotel Gardens on Wednesday, the marathon’s team leader, Amos Wekesa, said they expect the event to attract 6000 runners from 50 countries following exhibitions for the run in Cape Town, Nairobi, Qatar, Tanzania, Kenya, and Boston.

He said close to 2000 runners will jet in for the run from Kenya for the event that champions talent identification and development, healthy living, climate change awareness, and year-round tourism.

This year, the marathon will feature eco-conscious efforts such as awareness campaigns like tree planting, sustainable water stations, and recycling zones, reinforcing the commitment to environmental sustainability.

“As runners take on the scenic and challenging routes of the Rwenzoris, they will also champion a greater cause: climate action and sustainability. With glaciers on the Rwenzori Mountains melting at an alarming rate, the marathon will spotlight the urgent impact of climate change in Uganda. Through storytelling, eco-initiatives, and our partnerships, the marathon aims to inspire collective action,” said Amos Wekesa, CEO of Equator Hikes and lead organiser of the event.

As title sponsors, Tusker Lite continues to champion active, balanced, and vibrant lifestyles. The marathon is a natural extension of the brand’s DNA, bringing together people, wellness, music, and culture in a unique and memorable experience.

“From the very beginning, our vision as Tusker Lite has been simple but bold: to deliver a wholesome and immersive experience for our consumers as well as support our wellness-conscious consumers to live actively and ‘litely’. We’re proud to be at the forefront of this movement,” Emmy Hashakimana, Head of Commercial UBL, said.

Over the past three editions, the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon has grown into one of Uganda’s most celebrated sporting events, attracting elite runners, adventure seekers, and wellness enthusiasts from across the globe.

From its inception, the marathon has attracted runners from across the world, driven tourism to the Rwenzori region, and stimulated local businesses.

The different partners pose after the launch of the Rwenzori Marathon fourth edition at Sheraton Hotel Gardens, June 11, 2025. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

This year, the organisers are expecting to double the number of participants from over 50 countries.

Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, graced the press conference as the guest of honour, emphasizing the marathon’s integral role in promoting tourism.

The 2025 edition introduces bigger and better race logistics, an expanded runners’ village, and an elevated Neon Rave After-Party powered by Tusker Lite, which is designed to celebrate achievement, community, and high-energy fun at the finish line.

Runners across Uganda have already begun preparations, with community training sessions, wellness partnerships, and social media challenges fueling excitement.

The marathon is proudly supported by a strong network of partners who believe in its vision, such as Standard Chartered Bank, Great Lakes Safaris, Rwenzori, Britam, the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, UCC, Rwenzori Water, KIA Motors, the Minister of Tourism, the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Airlines, the Uganda National Oil Company, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the different running groups, among others, for supporting the event.

These were represented by Emmy Hashakimana, the commercial director of UBL; Cynthia Mpanga; Mackline Kukundakwe; Humphrey Lutakome; Pearl Kakooza; David Kambere; and Ronnie Kawamara at the Sheraton.