The Legends Marathon 2025 was officially launched on Thursday, March 20 at Legends Rugby Grounds, Lugogo, ushering in an exciting second edition aimed at empowering athletes and shaping the future of Uganda’s sports tourism.
The launch event saw a gathering of elite and recreational runners, retired and active athletes, running club captains, corporate partners, and media, all united under the marathon’s mission to transform lives through sport.
Scheduled for Sunday, April 13, 2025, at Legends Rugby Grounds, the marathon continues to serve as a powerful platform not just for competition, but for athlete career transitions, talent development, and growing Uganda’s sports tourism sector.
A marathon with a mission
Event Director Andrew Mwanguhya emphasized the marathon’s broader goals, reaffirming that it’s not just a race, but a movement:
“The Legends Marathon is more than just a race – it’s a movement. Our vision is to build a legacy where every athlete, whether retired, active, or aspiring, finds opportunities beyond their sporting career,” he said.
The 2025 edition will feature multiple race categories: 42km, 21km, 10km, and a 5km fun run, ensuring inclusivity for all. A major highlight this year is the launch of Athlete Career+, a year-round transformative programme designed to equip athletes with essential life skills, including:
• Financial literacy
• Entrepreneurship & business training
• Job placements & internships
• Mentorship & life skills coaching
• Sports coaching & mental health support
• Modern farming & agribusiness
• Media & broadcasting skills
Proceeds from the marathon will directly fund the Athlete Career+ programme, and contributions to the initiative will continue throughout the year. The marathon will remain its flagship event, blending celebration, competition, and awareness to make a lasting difference.
RUN FOR YOUR LEGEND
The theme of this year’s marathon, “RUN FOR YOUR LEGEND,” invites participants to dedicate their run to someone who has inspired them, be it a sports hero, a family member, or even themselves. Race bibs will feature space for each runner to write the name of their chosen “legend.”
Stronger partnerships, greater impact
The marathon has secured key partnerships for 2025, including:
• Crown Beverages (Official Hydration Partner)
• Kaynela Farms (Modern Farming Education)
• Safe Places (Mental Health & GBV Support)
• Stanbic Business Accelerator (Entrepreneurship Training)
• Legends Rugby Grounds (Official Venue Partner)
• The Moves (Branding Partners)
Catherine Poran, CEO of Stanbic Business Accelerator, shared a special initiative for athletes:
“We are proud of what The Legends Marathon has started. Under our Stanbic Business Accelerator, we will provide entrepreneurship training to help athletes transition beyond their sporting careers. We will conduct a needs assessment and work closely with The Legends Marathon to deliver support,” she said.
Janet Katana of Safe Places highlighted the importance of mental health support for athletes, both during their active careers and afterward, revealing plans for:
• A sports-centric mental health module
• A special program focused on fighting Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
Daniel Mubeezi of Kaynela Farms spoke on the marathon’s commitment to athlete empowerment, saying:
“At Kaynela, we resonate with the vision of supporting athletes in their transition. We specialize in organic farming and look forward to equipping athletes with farming skills that could offer an alternative source of income. We’re excited to host them at our farm for an agro-tourism experience.”
A running movement
The launch featured powerful testimonies from elite and retired athletes, as well as running club captains, underscoring the marathon’s significant impact on Uganda’s running culture.
Sports legends such as Mujib Kasule (Football), Davis Karashani (Cricket), Moses Kipsiro (Olympian & Three-time Commonwealth Champion), Alex Mubiru (Rugby), and Isaac Zebra Ssenyange Jr. (Boxing) spoke candidly about the challenges they faced during their transitions from active sport, describing the process as “a dark place” and “a future uncertain.” However, they expressed hope through The Legends Marathon, seeing it as a bridge connecting the past, present, and future of athletes.
Agnes Kasule of Kankolera Running Club, representing the 23 running clubs present, echoed the marathon’s mission to transform lives through sport.
Countdown to race day
Registration for The Legends Marathon 2025 is now open at www.thelegendsmarathon.com. Organizers promise a rewarding experience, ensuring that every participant, whether runner or walker, will enjoy a memorable and impactful event.
Get ready for an experience that goes beyond just running — a celebration of endurance, purpose, and transformation.
