The Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon has increased its total prize purse to Sh252 million ahead of the fifth edition of the race in Kasese this Saturday, August 22.

The purse is more than double last year’s Sh92 million, making it the biggest prize purse for a marathon in Uganda.

The increase comes in a landmark year for the race, which has secured World Athletics Label Road Race status and earned a place on the World Athletics calendar.

The 42km marathon winners in both the men’s and women’s categories will each take home Sh40 million. Second place will receive Sh20 million, third Sh10 million, fourth Sh8 million, fifth Sh6 million and sixth Sh4 million.

In the 21km half marathon, the winners will each receive Sh15 million, while second place gets Sh10 million, third Sh6 million, fourth Sh4 million, fifth Sh2 million and sixth Sh1 million.

Men and women will receive equal prize money in every position.

Tusker Lite Brand Manager at Uganda Breweries Limited, Sandra Againe, said the increased purse is part of efforts to grow the race and attract stronger competition.

“We have seen the marathon grow over the past five editions, and increasing the prize money is another step forward. This gives runners a strong reason to come to Kasese and compete,” Againe said.

Launched in 2022, the marathon is expected to attract about 8,000 runners this year, with participants registered from 26 countries.

Organisers say registration is nearing capacity, with only a few slots remaining.

“We are almost sold out, with only a few slots remaining. We are encouraging everyone who is still interested in taking part to take advantage of these final few days and secure their place,” said Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon CEO Collin Masiga.

The race will take place in Kasese on Saturday, August 22.