The Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon is making a powerful return for its fourth edition this August, promising not just a race but a transformative experience.
The event scheduled for Saturday, August 23rd, the 2025 will unfold beneath the breathtaking backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains, bringing with it a dynamic fusion of sport, sustainability, and culture.
During a press briefing held Wednesday evening at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, organizers unveiled ambitious plans for this year’s event, which is expected to attract more than 6,000 runners, its largest turnout to date.
With over 2,000 participants from Kenya alone, the marathon is shaping up to be one of the region’s most significant athletic gatherings, reflecting the growing wave of sports tourism in East Africa.
Now widely recognized as one of the continent’s most scenic and meaningful marathons, the 2025 edition will center around four key themes: nurturing athletic talent, promoting health and wellness, raising climate change awareness, and bolstering year-round tourism in Uganda’s western corridor.
Sustainability takes center stage this year with the introduction of several eco-friendly initiatives, including tree-planting campaigns, green hydration stations, and dedicated recycling zones along the route.
Organizers hope these actions will spark deeper conversations about the climate crisis especially as the Rwenzori glaciers continue to recede at alarming rates.
“As we run through one of Uganda’s most iconic landscapes, we’re also running for the planet,” said Amos Wekesa, CEO of Equator Hikes and the event’s lead organizer.
“Through compelling storytelling, tangible action, and strategic partnerships, we aim to highlight the urgent need for climate consciousness.”
Tusker Lite, the marathon’s title sponsor, continues to blend lifestyle with advocacy. Known for promoting vibrant, health-conscious living, the brand sees the marathon as a natural platform to connect with consumers who value wellness and celebration in equal measure.
“Our mission has always been about more than just beverages. It’s about inspiring people to live fully and actively,” said Emmy Hashakimana, head of commercial at Uganda Breweries Limited. “The Mt. Rwenzori Marathon is a perfect extension of that spirit.”
Since its inception, the marathon has grown from a local race into an internationally recognized event. It has attracted elite athletes, fitness fans, and adventure travelers from over 50 countries injecting energy into Kasese’s economy and spotlighting Uganda on the global stage.
Wekesa shared that some local runners who debuted at past marathons are now gaining international exposure and endorsement deals, showcasing the race’s role in elevating Ugandan talent.
Among the dignitaries at the press conference was Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, who praised the marathon’s contribution to national tourism and local development.
This year, the event introduces several exciting additions: improved logistics, an expanded Runners’ Village, and the return of the much-anticipated Tusker Lite Neon Rave After-Party an electrifying celebration of athletic achievement and community spirit.
Across Uganda, training sessions are already in full swing. Community fitness programs, digital wellness campaigns, and a surge of social media buzz are driving national excitement.
The marathon is supported by an impressive coalition of partners including Standard Chartered Bank, Britam, Great Lakes Safaris, Rwenzori, Kia Motors, the Ministry of Tourism, Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), and multiple media outlets—all united by a shared belief in the event’s potential to transform lives, landscapes, and legacies.
