The fifth Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon has strengthened Kasese’s position on the international athletics map, with runners from Uganda and several countries converging on the western Ugandan town for the 2026 edition.
The August 22 event attracted thousands of runners, spectators and visitors, combining elite competition with recreational running and tourism.
The international character of the race was reflected most clearly in the elite marathon results.
Uganda’s Leonard Chemonges won the men’s 42.2-kilometre race, while Kenya’s Margaret Jepchumba took the women’s title.
The men’s podium was completed by Ugandans Alex Mutai and Fred Cherotwo, while Uganda’s Vanice Chemutai and Joan Chebet finished second and third in the women’s race.
The results illustrated the East African character of the competition.
Uganda and Kenya have long been associated with some of the world’s strongest distance-running traditions, and the Rwenzori Marathon is increasingly creating opportunities for athletes from the region to compete on an internationally recognised course.
The 2026 edition was particularly important because the race had attained World Athletics Label Road Race status.
The designation formally placed Kasese on the international road-running calendar and made the event Uganda’s first World Athletics Label Road Race.
The Ministry of Tourism described the achievement as a significant step in positioning Kasese as an international sports tourism region.
The international status also changed the significance of participation.
For elite athletes, competing in an internationally recognised race provides exposure beyond the Ugandan athletics calendar.
For the organisers, it creates an opportunity to attract stronger fields and position the race alongside other recognised road-running events.
The marathon’s course certification was an important part of that development.
Ahead of the race, World Athletics-certified measurer Gavin Wright conducted an official measurement using calibrated bicycle-counter equipment.
Organisers also undertook a detailed review of race infrastructure, including hydration points, marshal locations, transport, parking, congestion areas and the finish arena.
The result was a race designed to meet international operational standards while retaining its distinct Ugandan identity.
That identity is one of the event’s strongest attractions.
Unlike conventional urban marathons, the Rwenzori Marathon gives competitors a route that begins at the Equator, passes through the landscape around Queen Elizabeth National Park and heads towards the Rwenzori Mountains.
The combination provides international visitors with an experience that extends beyond athletics.
For many participants, the journey to Kasese is therefore also a tourism trip.
Visitors can explore Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Kazinga Channel, the Equator and the Rwenzori Mountains.
The Ministry of Tourism has encouraged visitors to extend their stay and explore attractions in the region, recognising the economic opportunities created by the growing marathon.
That economic effect reaches several sectors.
Hotels accommodate visitors and athletes.
Restaurants serve participants and spectators.
Tour operators can arrange excursions.
Transport providers move visitors around the district.
Local traders and businesses also benefit from increased demand during race weekend.
This is the broader economic argument behind Uganda’s investment in sports tourism.
A major sporting event does not only create a few hours of competition.
It can generate a chain of economic activity before, during and after race day.
The Rwenzori Marathon’s organisers have increasingly embraced this model.
The event includes an expo and exhibition space that allows businesses and corporate partners to engage with participants and visitors.
The race also promotes the Rwenzori region as a destination rather than simply promoting the competition itself.
Government has backed that ambition.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, the 2026 edition received government support and was positioned as an important platform for talent identification, tourism promotion and enterprise development.
The race has therefore evolved significantly since its launch in 2022.
What began as a regional running event has developed into an international road race capable of attracting elite athletes and large numbers of recreational participants.
For Kasese, the significance extends beyond athletics.
The town now has an annual event capable of generating international attention and bringing new visitors to western Uganda.
The Rwenzori Mountains provide the visual identity.
The runners provide the spectacle.
And the growing international participation provides the global audience.
Together, those elements are helping establish the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon as one of Uganda’s most distinctive sports tourism events.
