The fifth Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon entered the 2026 edition with a significantly increased prize purse of Shs252 million, raising the stakes for elite runners competing in Kasese.
The increase was one of the major developments ahead of the August 22 race and reflected the marathon’s growing status on Uganda’s athletics and sports tourism calendar.
According to the race organisers, the total prize purse increased from Shs92 million in 2025 to Shs252 million in 2026.
The biggest change was reserved for the winners of the full marathon.
The men’s and women’s 42.2-kilometre champions each received Shs40 million, representing a fourfold increase from the Shs10 million winner’s prize offered in the previous edition.
The half marathon also carried a substantial reward, with the men’s and women’s winners each eligible for Shs15 million.
Importantly, the prize structure provided equal prize money for men and women at every position, while prize money was paid down to sixth place.
The increased purse came at a significant moment in the history of the race.
The 2026 edition was the marathon’s fifth anniversary since it was launched in 2022.
More importantly, the event had received World Athletics Label Road Race status, elevating its profile and placing it among internationally recognised road races.
The label requires races to meet international standards in areas such as course measurement, elite participation, timing and race operations.
For elite athletes, the development was important because it gave the competition greater international credibility.
The official 42.2-kilometre course was certified and measured, while professional timing systems were used for the race. The organisers say the marathon is also an official qualifier for major international races including the Comrades Marathon and Two Oceans Marathon.
The bigger purse was also expected to strengthen competition.
Uganda has established itself as one of the world’s leading distance-running countries, producing internationally recognised athletes across the marathon, half marathon and track disciplines.
By increasing the financial reward at the Rwenzori Marathon, organisers created another opportunity for elite Ugandan athletes to compete for significant prize money on home soil.
The eventual men’s race demonstrated the strength of the field.
Uganda’s Leonard Chemonges won the marathon in an official World Athletics time of 2:13:25, narrowly defeating compatriot Alex Mutai, who finished in 2:13:36.
Fred Cherotwo completed the men’s podium in 2:13:49.
Kenya’s Margaret Jepchumba won the women’s marathon in 2:39:15, ahead of Uganda’s Vanice Chemutai in 2:43:32 and Joan Chebet in 2:44:08.
The financial incentives were part of a broader investment in the event.
The Rwenzori Marathon has positioned itself as a social enterprise designed to promote healthy living, athlete development, tourism and environmental awareness.
Its organisers have also sought to create opportunities for runners who may not have the financial resources to travel to major races.
The event’s growth has therefore been accompanied by increased attention to athlete support.
Beyond the prize money, runners competed for recognition, international exposure and opportunities that come with participating in a World Athletics-labelled event.
For the local economy, the bigger event also meant increased activity in Kasese.
Thousands of visitors travelling to the district for the race required accommodation, transport, meals and other services, creating opportunities for local businesses.
The marathon’s commercial and tourism dimensions have therefore grown alongside the sporting component.
With a Shs252 million prize purse, international certification and thousands of expected participants, the 2026 Rwenzori Marathon entered a new chapter in its development.
The bigger rewards ultimately produced a stronger elite field and helped reinforce the race’s ambition of becoming one of East Africa’s leading destination marathons.
