Abel Chelangat and Emily Chebet have been crowned winners of the men’s and women’s 42km races in the third edition of the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon.
The two who are residents of Bukwo district clinched the top spots with a time of 02:14:59 and 02:42:08 respectively, each claiming a Shs10m cash prize.
“It is a proud moment for me and the people who have supported me including my husband and two children. I believe I won because of all the hard work I put into training months before the marathon,” said Chebet during one of the interviews at the finish line.
The top prizes were presented by Andrew Kilonzo, Managing Director of Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) who are the title sponsors of the marathon, and Margaret Kigozi, Head of Corporate Affairs, Standard Chartered during the award ceremony.
In the 21km half-marathon, Abel Chebet clinched victory in the men’s category, and Rebbeca Chelangat triumphed in the women’s race, each securing a Shs7m cash prize for their outstanding performances.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Andrew Kilonzo, Managing Director of UBL, commented, “This year’s Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon has exceeded our expectations in every way. The massive turnout and the remarkable performances by each of the runners today was incredible. We are committed to ensuring this marathon continues to grow and solidify its place as a must-attend on the global sporting calendar.”
The first edition of the marathon held in 2022 attracted 800 participants and the 2023 edition saw over 2,000 participants from 17 nationalities. This year’s edition saw the numbers increasing to 3,700 participants from over 30 nationalities. It has not only brought global attention to the Kasese region but also revitalised the town, the tourism industry and contributed to significant infrastructure development.
Roads have been fixed to accommodate the influx of participants and visitors, and local hotels have expanded to meet the growing demand. The marathon has created nonstop action for local business owners, with restaurants, shops, and service providers all benefiting from the increased traffic.
As Equator Hikes, the event organisers, look to the future, their goal remains clear; to elevate the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon to international prominence.
“The vision is to make this marathon one of the world’s premier sporting events, attracting elite athletes and adventure seekers from across the globe. The long-term benefits for Kasese and Uganda as a whole are immense, from boosting tourism to driving economic growth,” said Amos Wekesa, Equator Hikes Director.
The day was filled with enthusiasm and energy, as runners of all levels, including Persons With Disabilities, pushed their limits against the stunning backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains.
State Minister of Sports, Peter Ogwang also participated in this year’s 10km race after flagging off the 42km runners earlier the same morning. His dedication to promoting sports was evident as he pushed through the course and impressively finished among the top 10 runners of his race.
The marathon also had the generous support of other partners which include Britam, Coca-Cola Beverages, Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, CFAO Mobility, Kiira Motors, PSFU, UWA, and Uganda Airlines.
