By : Kabbyanga Godfrey Baluku Kiime

Each year, runners from around the world flock Kasese District in the beauty of Uganda's Rwenzori Mountains, to participate in a race that promises both challenge and amazing beauty. The third edition of the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon will take place on Saturday, 24th August 2024 in Kasese District. Unlike other city marathons that carry the city name, they opted to call this new marathon the Tusker Lite Rwenzori marathon with Tusker Lite Lager as the main sponsor.

The Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon is an annual event that celebrates the beauty of the region and typically takes place in and around the town of Kasese, which lies at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. This year, there will be three start times; 42 km: 6:40am, 21 km: 7am and 5 km: 7:30am. 42 km will start on the Equator on the Kasese - Mbarara highway. Buses will be provided to transport runners from the arena to the start point in the morning. Exact pickup location and time will be communicated later. 21 km and 5 km will have their starting point on Stanley Street (outside Sandton Hotel).

A group of Ugandans and associates from outside Uganda, came together and chose the Rwenzori district of Kasese as the setting for what they hoped would become an International marathon. They had a vision of creating an event that would showcase the beauty of the Rwenzori region while promoting health, fitness, and community engagement.

On Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at a press conference held at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala, World Athletics officially certified the Tusker Lite Mount Rwenzori Marathon course. This marked a significant milestone in the event’s journey towards global recognition. World Athletics is the international authority that regulates track and field, road running, cross-country running, race walking, mountain running, and ultra-running, among other sports.

This recognition of the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon by World Athletics is good for Uganda in general and good for Kasese and the other Rwenzori districts in particular. It will help spur international sports tourist numbers to this part of the world which in turn will grow investment and create jobs in the services sector of Uganda, particularly in the Rwenzori region. It also provides opportunities for local artisans and vendors to showcase and sell their products.

Additionally, the community involvement and participation in the marathon fosters a sense of ownership and pride among residents. It also makes the marathon a remarkable experience, not only the breathtaking natural settings. The encouragement and support of fellow runners, together with the cheers and encouragement of the local people that line the course, keeps racers going as they take on the difficult terrain.

By taking proactive measures to address social, economic, and environmental considerations, the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon can continue to thrive as a leading sporting event while also contributing to the long-term well-being and prosperity of the Rwenzori region and its residents.

Generally, the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon serves as a catalyst for positive change in the region, driving economic growth, promoting social cohesion, and fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural and cultural heritage of the Rwenzori Mountains.

To register you can follow the: https://www.rwenzorimarathon.com/registration. Early bird entry fee (before July 1st): EAC (EAC means: Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, and Rwanda. Residents will be expected to show a valid work permit or residency permit) citizens & residents: UGX 50,000, International runners: USD 50.

The writer is the State Minister for National Guidance in the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance.