The Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon is back, this time stepping onto the global stage, promising to be bigger, bolder, and more impactful than ever before.
The fifth edition of the marathon was officially launched on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel.
The launch was presided over by the Guest of Honour, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, alongside several cabinet ministers and key stakeholders.
This year, the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon has gained international recognition, becoming a fully recognized global event.
The race has been added to the World Athletics activity calendar and has attained Label Marathon status, signifying that it meets the highest standards of quality, safety, and elite competition.
The marathon is now only the third race in the region and the seventh on the African continent to achieve Label Marathon status.
This milestone allows participants to qualify for prestigious races such as the Comrades Marathon and the Two Oceans Marathon, among other benefits.
In his remarks, Hon. Peter Ogwang, Minister of State for Sports, hailed the milestone as a major achievement for Uganda and a boost for the country’s profile on the international sporting stage. He reaffirmed the government’s support for sports development and pledged USD 1 million towards the marathon’s prize kitty.
“There have been great strides in sports development, and the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon’s inclusion on the World Athletics calendar, as well as its attainment of Label Marathon status, is a strong endorsement of Uganda’s growing capacity to host world-class events,” he said.
Global voices in road racing have welcomed the development, including international sports commentator Rob Walker, who has participated in two previous editions of the event.
Deputy Speaker Tayebwa described the marathon as “a very great initiative with the potential to become one of Africa’s top events, attracting elite athletes and showcasing Uganda’s natural beauty to the world.”
“People-led initiatives like this promote tourism, empower local communities, inspire young athletes, and showcase the country’s talent and culture on a global stage,” he added, confirming that he will take part in the Kasese race this August.
Amos Wekesa, CEO of Equator Hikes and lead organiser of the marathon, said the event has steadily grown by drawing inspiration from successful international races.
“We are now on the same level as major marathons like New York. Being part of the global calendar attracts elite runners and sports enthusiasts from across the world. This year, we expect around 20,000 participants,” Wekesa said.
Tusker Lite, the title sponsor, continues to promote active, balanced, and vibrant lifestyles.
According to Catherine Ndungu, Marketing & Innovations Director at Uganda Breweries Limited, the marathon has become synonymous with marathon culture in Uganda.
“We have boosted the economy of Kasese and surrounding areas, elevated tourism in the Rwenzori region, championed healthy living, supported talent development, and strengthened environmental conservation efforts,” Ndungu said.
Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Martin Mugarra Bahinduka praised the marathon’s role in boosting tourism and showcasing Uganda’s scenic destinations.
The State Minister for ICT, Godfrey Kabbyanga, a Kasese native, assured participants of full security during the marathon week and confirmed plans to expand accommodation capacity to 10,000 rooms.
The Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon is supported by Standard Chartered Bank, Great Lakes Safaris, Britam, Uganda Breweries, Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, UNOC, UCC, and KIA Motors.