Once a quiet town at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains, Kasese has steadily reinvented itself into a bustling sporting hub, thanks to the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon. The fourth edition, held on Saturday, drew more than 6,000 participants and thousands of visitors, underlining its growing status as one of Uganda’s premier annual events.
Since its launch in 2022, the marathon has become more than a race — it is a catalyst for tourism, infrastructure development, and community pride. Hotels and restaurants were filled to capacity this weekend, boda-bodas crisscrossed the town ferrying visitors, and the once-sleepy streets came alive with athletes, fans, and adventure seekers.
While the sporting achievements were remarkable — Bernard Cheptoch storming to the men’s full marathon crown in 2:21:41 and Racheal Zena Chebet clinching the women’s title in 2:35:18 — the bigger story was the festival-like atmosphere that united locals and international guests alike.
The half-marathon also delivered its own drama, with Abel Chebet cementing his dominance by winning the men’s race for a third consecutive year. Each winner walked away with millions in prize money, but for Kasese, the collective win was far greater: a surge in visibility and a much-needed boost for local businesses.
The event attracted dignitaries from across the region, including Kenya’s Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Gladys Boss Shollei, Uganda’s Tourism Minister Martin Mugara, State Minister for ICT Godfrey Kabyanga, and former Leader of Opposition Winnie Kiiza. Their presence emphasized the marathon’s regional significance.
Equator Hikes director Amos Wekesa, whose team has driven the marathon’s growth, described the vision as long-term:
“Our goal is not just to host a race, but to position Kasese and the Rwenzori as a global destination for sports tourism. What you see today is the beginning of something transformational.”
Supported by sponsors like Standard Chartered Bank, Coca-Cola Beverages, Britam, Kiira Motors, and Uganda Airlines, the marathon has proven that sport can power tourism and economic development. For many in Kasese, the roar of cheering crowds and the pounding of running shoes against tarmac signaled not just a race, but the dawn of a new identity for their town.
WINNERS
42km Male
- Bernard Cheptoch – 02:21:41
- John Muthui Musee – 02:22:00
- Ayeko Antony – 02:22:12
Female - Rachael Zena Chebet- 02:35:18
- Chemusto Keren – 02:38:39
- Rebecca Cherop – 02:35:49
21km Male - Abel Chebet – 01:02:04
- Alex Kiplangat – 01:02:05
- Martin Kiprotiich Magen – 01:02:32
Female - Kerine Cherop – 01:12:44
- Esther Chekweomoi Yeko – 01:13:23
- Annet Chemengich Chelangat – 01:14:17
