The kit for the 2023 Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon was unveiled on Wednesday with the event proper slated for September 2nd in Kasese. The exercise took place at Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) factory and head office in Portbell, Luzira.
The marathon gear comprises of a neon green running T-shirt that offers breathability and comfort, light weight and adjustable running belt designed for maximum comfort and a leak-proof water bottle designed with easy squeeze functionality that will help runners stay refreshed on race day.
The marathon T-shirt is composed of technical material that provides moisture-wicking to help keep the sweat away, preventing the top from rubbing too close to the skin hence keeping runners at ease through their respective races and that way the runners may achieve their best times.
“The kit comes with remarkable improvements from last year’s…the T-shirt offers flexibility and comfort and it comes in Tusker Lite’s neon green colour that will keep runners visible on the road. The running belt will keep your essentials safe during the marathon…and it’s designed for the maximum comfort. The running bottle has a leak-proof design and an easy to squeeze functionality so even as you’re running it won’t be like an added luggage to you,” UBL Premium Brands Manager, Catherine Ndungu said adding that all those that will finish their races will get medals.
Speaking at the kit unveiling ceremony, UBL Managing Director Andrew Kilonzo said that they are committed to supporting the marathon which marks its second staging this year. He added that partnership with the local community is very vital for the growth of the marathon.
“As Tusker Lite, our purpose is about celebrating life, every day everywhere and part of that is getting involved with communities so we are very excited to be part of the Kasese community, we are going to partner with them to provide hospitality to the runners before, during and after the marathon. Our co-sponsors will also be part of this journey and we want to thank all our co-sponsors,” Kilonzo said adding that UBL strives to transform the lives of people in areas they operate and this marathon will help contribute to the economic transformation of the region.
Amos Wekesa the Director of Equator Hikes, the organisers of the marathon said that the marathon could be a game changer for Kasese if locals tap into the economic aspect of the event.
“Kasese has been struggling for many years…Kasese is coming out of the woods and people have seen the value of the marathon and people are organizing things by themselves,” Wekesa said adding that the impact of the marathon has been felt beyond Kasese.
Wekesa added that runners from 11 countries have registered for the event so far and numbers are rising as each day goes by. “I have been in Kasese and the region is ready for the marathon. The excitement has reached fever pitch. Hotels are almost fully booked,” Wekesa noted.
Also available at the kit unveiling ceremony were some event co-sponsors that is; Standard Chartered Bank, Unilever, Airtel and UDB.
Standard Chartered recently unveiled a UGX 100 Million Shillings sponsorship for the event and their package will go towards catering for prize money. Standard Chartered Bank’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Margaret Kigozi said that each runner will be receiving a tree in line with the bank’s effort to green the environment.
Unilever’s Home Care Category & Channel Development, Manager, Emmanuel Kabugo revealed that each of the first 2000 kits will come with a hamper filled with Unilever’s home and personal care products.
Kits for the marathon are now available for pick up at Station Xpress, Shop GF26, Forest Mall Lugogo Bypass, Kembabazi Catering Centre in Naguru and the Marathon Grounds in Kasese from 30th August to 2nd September.
