The Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon and the Rotary Cancer Run have announced a strategic partnership aimed at raising awareness and funds to combat cancer. The collaboration was unveiled during a joint press conference held today at 1:00 PM at the Cancer Run offices in Muyenga, Kampala.
This partnership unites two of Uganda’s most impactful fitness and health events, combining their resources and audiences for a common cause. The Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon, renowned for promoting health, athlete support, talent discovery, and climate change awareness in the Rwenzori region, joins forces with the Rotary Cancer Run, which has been instrumental in fundraising for cancer treatment and awareness for over a decade.
The Rotary Cancer Run is set to take place on August 25th, the day after the marathon, and will utilize the marathon’s 5 km and 10 km routes. These routes will guide runners through the picturesque streets of Kasese town with the stunning Rwenzori Mountains as a backdrop. Organized in partnership with Rotary Kasese Snow Peaks, these routes promise an unforgettable experience for all participants. Additionally, runners based in Fort Portal will have a specially arranged route, courtesy of the Rotary Clubs in Kabarole. The organizers encourage everyone traveling to Kasese for the marathon to support the cause by purchasing a Cancer Run kit, thereby contributing to the fight against cancer.
The purpose of this partnership is to leverage the strengths of both organizations to maximize outreach and fundraising efforts. The immediate goal for this year’s Cancer Run is to contribute to establishing a cancer center in Nsambya, Kampala, which currently has a funding gap of Ug.Shs 9 billion. This year, the Rotary Cancer Run aims to raise at least Ug.Shs 3 billion, with the participation of over 60,000 runners both nationwide and internationally.
“There are 35,000 new cases of cancer in Uganda annually, with 22,000 resulting in death due to late diagnosis. Our partnership with the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon is a significant step towards combating this disease and achieving our goal of establishing a cancer center in Nsambya by 2027,” stated Michael Niyitegeka, Chairman of the Rotary Cancer Run 2024.
Amos Wekesa, a representative of the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon, added, “We are excited to join hands with the Rotary Cancer Run. Together, we can make a real difference for Ugandans’ health and well-being. This partnership shows we’re all in on promoting health and helping those affected by cancer.”
Patience Aguti, Project Manager UBL, addressed the media, noting, “The Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon, known for promoting sports tourism and economically empowering the Kasese region, is joining forces with the Rotary Cancer Run, which has been instrumental in fundraising for cancer treatment and awareness for over a decade. By combining our resources and expertise, we are prepared to create a more impactful and meaningful experience for all participants.”
