The Rwenzori Marathon 2026, officially known as the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon will take place on 22 August 2026 in Kasese District, western Uganda. The annual event brings together professional athletes, novice runners, fitness enthusiasts and travelers from Uganda and many other countries.
Held at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, the marathon offers participants the chance to run through one of Uganda’s most scenic regions while supporting sports tourism and local communities. Since its first edition, the marathon has become one of Uganda’s most recognised road races and continues to attract a growing number of local and international participants.
History of the Rwenzori Marathon
The Rwenzori Marathon was first held in 2022 with the aim of promoting sports tourism in western Uganda. The organisers wanted to create an event that would encourage visitors to discover the beauty of the Rwenzori region while supporting local businesses and communities.
From the beginning, the marathon stood out because of its location. Instead of taking place in a major city, it was organised in Kasese at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains also known as the “Mountains of the Moon.” The area is famous for its mountain scenery, rivers, wildlife and cultural heritage.
The event has grown steadily over the years. Each edition has attracted more runners from Uganda, East Africa, Europe, North America, Asia and other parts of the world. Today, the marathon is recognised as one of Uganda’s leading sporting events and plays an important role in promoting tourism in the region.
The fifth edition of the marathon will be held on Saturday, 22 August 2026 in Kasese District. The event is open to runners of different fitness levels. Participants can choose from four race categories:
- Full Marathon (42.195 kilometres)
- Half Marathon (21.1 kilometres)
- 10-kilometre race
- 5-kilometre Fun Run
The different distances allow experienced runners, beginners, families and corporate teams to participate.
A World Athletics Label Road Race
The Rwenzori Marathon is recognised as a World Athletics Label Road Race. This international recognition is awarded to races that meet established standards for course measurement, race organisation, athlete safety, medical support and timing.
This recognition places the Rwenzori Marathon among a select group of certified road races worldwide and has helped attract more international athletes and visitors.
The Marathon route
One of the main reasons runners choose the Rwenzori Marathon is its unique course. The full marathon starts near the Equator at Kikorongo close to Queen Elizabeth National Park. From there, runners follow roads that pass through open countryside before entering Kasese town.
The route continues towards Kilembe following the Nyamwamba River with the Rwenzori Mountains forming a backdrop. One of the most challenging sections is the gradual climb towards Kilembe before runners return to the finish line in Kasese.
The half marathon, 10-kilometre race, and 5-kilometre Fun Run follow shorter sections of the same route. The race offers mountain views, fresh air, rural landscapes and a chance to experience everyday life in western Uganda.
Sports tourism in Uganda
The Rwenzori Marathon has become an important event for Uganda’s tourism sector. Every year, the marathon brings visitors who stay in local hotels, use transport services, dine at restaurants and visit nearby attractions. This helps create business opportunities for local communities while encouraging investment in tourism.
The event also promotes healthy lifestyles by encouraging people of different ages and abilities to participate in running and outdoor activities.
Places to visit during the Rwenzori Marathon
Many visitors extend their stay before or after the marathon to explore western Uganda.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
The national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its glaciers, waterfalls, forests and alpine vegetation. Visitors can enjoy nature walks, mountain hiking, bird watching and guided treks.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Located a short distance from Kasese, the park is one of Uganda’s most visited wildlife destinations. Visitors can enjoy game drives, boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel, bird watching and wildlife viewing. The Kazinga Channel connects Lake George and Lake Edward. Boat cruises offer opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and many bird species along the shoreline.
Kilembe
Kilembe is known for its history as a mining town and serves as one of the main starting points for hiking the Rwenzori Mountains. The area also offers views of rivers and surrounding hills.
Equator at Kikorongo
The Equator crossing near Kikorongo is one of the landmarks along the marathon route. Many visitors stop here for photographs while traveling between Kasese and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Preparing for the marathon
Good preparation helps runners enjoy the event.
Training for several weeks before the race helps improve endurance. Comfortable running shoes, lightweight clothing and proper hydration are important during the event.
Kasese generally experiences warm daytime temperatures, so participants should drink enough water before, during and after the race.
International visitors should also arrive early enough to adjust to local conditions before race day.
How to get to Kasese
Kasese can be reached by road from Kampala, a journey of about 7 to 8 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. Domestic scheduled flights also connect Entebbe International Airport with Kasese Airfield, providing a faster travel option.
Many visitors combine the marathon with a safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park or a gorilla trekking tour in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Accommodation during the marathon
Kasese offers accommodation ranging from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels and luxury safari lodges located near Queen Elizabeth National Park. Because the marathon attracts many visitors each year, it is advisable to book accommodation several months before the event. accommodation options include Parkview safari lodge, Enganzi lodge, Acacia Wilderness safari lodge, Mweya safari lodge among others.
Why join the Rwenzori Marathon 2026?
The Rwenzori Marathon offers more than a road race. It allows participants to experience the landscapes of western Uganda, meet runners from different countries and explore nearby national parks and communities.
Whether you are aiming to complete your first 5-kilometre race or preparing for a full marathon, the event provides an opportunity to combine running with travel. For visitors interested in nature, wildlife and mountain scenery, it is also a chance to discover one of Uganda’s most remarkable regions while taking part in an international sporting event.
