The countdown to the fifth edition of the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon gathered momentum on Sunday as hundreds of runners took part in a community activation at Naalya Metroplex ahead of the August 22 race in Kasese.
Members of the Gutsy Bunch and Friends Running Club turned up early for the event, taking on either the 10km or 21km routes, while others joined a fun walk as they continued preparations for the marathon.
The activation brought together elite athletes, amateur runners and fitness enthusiasts, highlighting the growing popularity of the marathon and Uganda’s running culture.
Among those celebrating was Emma Wasswa, who completed a 10km run for the first time.
“I left no dust behind this morning,” Wasswa said after crossing the finish line.
The event maintained a festive atmosphere throughout the morning, with music, hydration stations and post-run activities giving participants an opportunity to recover and interact.
Sunday’s run was one of several community activations being held across the country to prepare runners and build excitement for this year’s marathon.
Tusker Lite Brand Manager Sandra Againe said the increasing turnout at the activations reflects the growing interest in fitness and lifestyle events.
“Every activation brings together people with different goals, but they all leave having achieved something. Some are preparing for the marathon, others are completing distances they never thought possible, and many are simply discovering the joy of running. That’s exactly what the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon is about—challenging yourself while enjoying the journey,” Againe said.
She also encouraged more people to register before the race.
“We encourage everyone who hasn’t registered yet to do so. This year’s marathon promises to be our biggest yet, and we want as many Ugandans as possible to experience not just the race, but everything that Kasese has to offer,” she added.
This year’s edition is expected to attract greater international attention after the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon attained Label Race status and was added to the World Athletics calendar.
Equator Hikes Team Leader Amos Wekesa said the marathon has become a key driver of tourism in the Rwenzori region.
“The marathon has done far more than create a sporting event. It has changed the image of Kasese by bringing people here to experience the mountains, the culture, the hospitality and the beauty of the region. Every year we see more visitors staying longer, exploring more attractions and contributing to the local economy. That impact continues to grow,” Wekesa said.
The Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon will take place in Kasese on August 22, with organisers expecting a record turnout for the landmark fifth edition.
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