The event, jointly organized by the Joshua Cheptegei Development Foundation (JOCDEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), promises another exciting mix of athletics and advocacy.

Olympic champion and world record-holder Joshua Cheptegei will once again lead the charge, using the marathon as a platform to drive awareness around climate action, tourism development, gender-based violence prevention, and youth empowerment in the Elgon region.

This year’s race will feature 21km, 10km, and 5km categories, winding through the scenic foothills of Mount Elgon National Park.

Registration costs 50,000 UGX and covers a race kit that includes an official t-shirt, medal, and a chance to win prizes. Proceeds from the event will support JOCDEF’s ongoing work in community transformation.

“We’re not just running for medals, we’re running for a better future,” said Cheptegei. “This event brings communities together and shines a light on the importance of protecting our environment while also uplifting our people.”

The marathon has attracted wide support from both public and private sectors. Government entities like the Ministry of Tourism, Uganda Wildlife Authority, and Uganda Tourism Board have joined hands with organizations such as UNIDO, Oxfam, Red Cross and Red Cross. Corporate sponsors include Stanbic Bank, UBA, Crown Beverages, Nile Breweries, Brussels Airlines, and others.

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The event aims to promote sports tourism and raise awareness of critical social issues affecting the Elgon region.

Joshua Cheptegei, Uganda’s Olympic 10,000m champion and world record holder in both the 5,000m and 10,000m distances, will participate in the event, which offers three race categories: a 21km half marathon, a 10km race, and a 5km run.

The race course will take participants through the scenic foothills of Mount Elgon National Park, a location renowned for its stunning biodiversity and lush landscapes.

Timothy Masaba, a board member of JOCDEF, emphasized the marathon’s importance in promoting tourism in the region.

“We’ve established the Elgon Half Marathon as a sports tourism event in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and the Tourism Board, which positions us to attract more people to the region and interact with the athletes,” he stated.

This year’s event will highlight pressing issues, including climate action, biodiversity conservation, and the fight against gender-based violence (GBV).

Proceeds from the marathon will go towards supporting JOCDEF’s initiatives aimed at community transformation, which align with UNDP’s broader mission of sustainable development.

Registration for the Elgon Half Marathon remains open until the day of the event, with a fee of Shs30,000.

Registered participants will receive a race kit that includes a running vest, water bottle, and kit bag. Winners stand a chance to earn medals and other prizes.

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