Kasese was buzzing with excitement this morning as thousands of athletes, adventure lovers, and spectators gathered for the 4th edition of the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon.
Since its debut in 2022, the marathon has grown into more than just a race; it has become a festival celebrating endurance, community spirit, and the breathtaking beauty of the Rwenzori Mountains.
This year, over 6,000 participants took to the routes, facing steep climbs, rugged trails, and the challenge of altitude while soaking in the scenic vistas.
In the men’s 42km full marathon, Bernard Cheptoch sprinted to victory, finishing in 2:21:41 and earning UGX 10 million in prize money.
Racheal Zena Chebet was unstoppable in the women’s race, completing the marathon in 2:35:18 and taking home the same cash prize.
The half marathon highlighted Abel Chebet’s dominance, as he clinched his third consecutive title with a winning time of 1:02:04 and a UGX 7 million reward.
Reflecting on his achievement, Cheptoch said, “The course was tough, but the energy from the crowd and the beauty of the Rwenzori’s kept me going. Winning here is a big moment for me as it is a stepping stone and entry to some of the biggest marathons on the continent.”
Beyond the elite competition, the marathon has become a magnet for tourism and a boost for the local economy.
Since its inception, Kasese has transformed into a vibrant hub during the marathon, drawing visitors from Uganda and abroad.
Hotels and restaurants were fully booked, local service providers thrived, and improvements in roads and infrastructure have made the town more accessible for athletes and tourists alike.
Andrew Kilonzo, Managing Director of Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL), praised the marathon’s growing impact: “The Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon continues to surpass expectations. The sheer number of participants this year is a testament to the passion that Ugandans and the global community have for this event.
For us, the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon is much more than just a race for the brand. It represents a commitment to promoting an active lifestyle among Ugandans by encouraging more people to do things differently.
At the same time, it serves as a platform to discover and support local running talent, helping to strengthen Uganda’s growing running community,” he said.
He added, “Beyond sports, the marathon also plays a key role in boosting tourism throughout the year by drawing attention to the beautiful Kasese and Rwenzori region, benefiting local businesses and showcasing the area’s scenic appeal.”
Dignitaries including the Deputy Speaker of the Kenyan Parliament, Rt. Hon. Gladys Boss Shollei, Uganda’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Martin Mugara, Minister of State for ICT, Hon. Godfrey Kabyanga Baluku, and former opposition leader Winnie Kiiza attended the event.
The marathon was organized by Equator Hikes, whose director Amos Wekesa shared his vision: “Our goal is to make the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon one of the world’s premier sporting events.
The long-term benefits for Kasese and Uganda are immense, from boosting tourism to driving economic growth, and as you can see, the Kasese today is not the Kasese of 2022 when we first started.”
He expressed gratitude to the marathon’s sponsors, saying, “I cannot thank our sponsors enough for being a part of this dream and making it what it is today.”
This year’s edition was supported by Standard Chartered Bank, Britam, Coca-Cola Beverages, the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Kiira Motors, PSFU, UWA, and Uganda Airlines.
42km Full Marathon Top Finishers
Men:
- Bernard Cheptoch – 02:21:41
- John Muthui Musee – 02:22:00
- Ayeko Antony – 02:22:12
- Michael Kiprotiich – 02:22:21
- Moses Cherop – 02:25:22
- Michael Mtai – 02:26:46
Women:
- Rachael Zena Chebet – 02:35:18
- Chemusto Keren – 02:38:39
- Rebecca Cherop – 02:35:49
- Dorine Cheasang – 02:38:08
- Joy Loyce Kemuma – 02:40:41
- Irine Korir – 02:43:37
21km Half Marathon Top Finishers
Men:
- Abel Chebet – 01:02:04
- Alex Kiplangat – 01:02:05
- Martin Kiprotiich Magen – 01:02:32
- Amon Kiptoo – 01:02:45
- Ezekiel Mutai – 01:03:12
Women:
- Kerine Cherop – 01:12:44
- Esther Chekweomoi Yeko – 01:13:23
- Annet Chemengich Chelangat – 01:14:17
- Gloria Chebet – 01:16:55
- Naomi Chelangat – 01:17:14
The 4th Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon proved once again that it is not just a test of speed, but a celebration of endurance, community, and the natural beauty of Uganda’s mountain landscapes.
