Bernard Cheptoch and Racheal Zena Chebet stole the spotlight at the fourth edition of the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon in Kasese on Saturday, powering to victories in the men’s and women’s 42km races.
Cheptoch crossed the finish line in 2:21:41, edging Kenya’s John Muthui Musee and Uganda’s Ayeko Antony in a close contest. His win earned him a cash prize of UGX 10 million. Chebet was equally dominant in the women’s field, clocking 2:35:18 to beat Chemusto Keren and Rebecca Cherop, also taking home UGX 10 million.
The 21km half marathon was once again claimed by Abel Chebet, who sealed his third straight title with a time of 1:02:04. He walked away with UGX 7 million, reinforcing his reputation as the man to beat over the distance.
Cheptoch praised the crowd and the scenery for lifting him through a tough course. “The energy from the crowd and the beauty of the Rwenzori’s kept me going. Winning here is a big moment for me as it opens doors to some of the biggest marathons on the continent,” he said.
More than 6,000 runners turned up for this year’s race, from elite athletes to fun runners, making it the largest edition since the marathon’s launch in 2022. The event has also grown into a major boost for tourism and the local economy, with Kasese hotels and restaurants filled to capacity and roads improved to handle the influx of visitors.
Andrew Kilonzo, Managing Director of Uganda Breweries Limited, called the marathon “a commitment to promoting an active lifestyle and a platform for discovering local running talent.” He also highlighted its role in showcasing Kasese and the Rwenzori region to the world.
The event drew several high-profile guests, including Kenyan Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei, Uganda’s Tourism Minister Martin Mugara, State Minister for ICT Godfrey Kabyanga Baluku, and former opposition leader Winnie Kiiza.
Organisers Equator Hikes, led by Amos Wekesa, reiterated ambitions to grow the marathon into one of the world’s premier sporting events. “The Kasese today is not the Kasese of 2022 when we first started. The long-term benefits are immense, from tourism to economic growth,” Wekesa said.
This year’s edition was supported by partners including Standard Chartered Bank, Britam, Coca-Cola Beverages, Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Kiira Motors, PSFU, UWA, and Uganda Airlines.
Top Results
42km Men: Cheptoch (2:21:41), Musee (2:22:00), Ayeko (2:22:12)
42km Women: Chebet (2:35:18), Keren (2:38:39), Cherop (2:35:49)
21km Men: Abel Chebet (1:02:04), Kiplangat (1:02:05), Magen (1:02:32)
21km Women: Kerine Cherop (1:12:44), Yeko (1:13:23), Chelangat (1:14:17)
