Two-time champion Abel Chebet is eyeing a third straight title in the 21-kilometre race at the upcoming Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon, scheduled for August 23, 2025, in Kasese.
Chebet, 32, has dominated the event since 2023 and now aims to make history with a hat-trick at Uganda’s only World Athletics-certified road race.
Representing Uganda Police Athletics Club, Chebet trains daily in the high-altitude terrains of Bukwo in the Sebei region—an area known for producing some of the country’s finest distance runners. His 2025 season has been marked by consistent success, including victories at the Gulu Marathon, Mbarara City Marathon, and the Coffee Marathon in Ntungamo. He also finished second at the national cross-country championships in Tororo earlier this year.
“I’m focused and ready for the challenge,” Chebet said. “Winning three in a row would be a major milestone and boost my confidence to debut in the full marathon next year.”
Inspired by Ugandan greats like Moses Kipsiro and Olympic gold medallist Stephen Kiprotich, Chebet attributes his resilience and ambition to his community’s running culture.
“The spirit of the Sebei region keeps me going. Training in Bukwo with other top athletes pushes me to work harder and aim higher,” he said.
With limited competitive events on the domestic calendar, Chebet views the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon as a rare and vital opportunity to gain exposure and elevate his career on the global stage.
“This race put me on the map. It gave me a platform to prove myself,” he added. “Now I want to challenge myself even further.”
Organisers expect this year’s marathon to be the biggest yet, with nearly 6,000 runners from over 50 countries expected to participate. The race continues to attract global attention thanks to its certification, scenic yet demanding course, and growing economic and tourism impact.
Denise Paula Nazzinda, Brand Manager for Tusker Lite at Uganda Breweries Limited, praised Chebet’s story as a reflection of the brand’s philosophy.
“Abel Chebet’s determination to make history aligns perfectly with Tusker Lite’s celebration of individuals breaking boundaries,” she said. “The marathon has become a launchpad for Ugandan athletes looking to compete on the world stage.”
Now in its fourth edition, the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon is not only the country’s premier road race but also a symbol of Uganda’s growing presence in global athletics.
