Months ahead of race day, the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon is already making waves beyond Uganda’s borders.
On March 21, hundreds of runners, predominantly Ugandans, participated in a shake-up run through Moshi, Tanzania, just a day before the Kilimanjaro Marathon, generating excitement and anticipation for the August 22 event in Kasese, Uganda.
The initiative, organized by the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon team with support from the Ugandan Consulate in Arusha and the Uganda High Commission in Dar es Salaam, aimed to introduce the race to runners accustomed to Tanzanian competitions.
“Shake-up runs are about connecting early with runners and creating excitement ahead of the main race,” said Amos Wekesa, CEO of Equator Hikes and lead organizer of the marathon. “The Kilimanjaro Marathon has been established for over 20 years and has a strong following. We want those same runners to experience Kasese in August. Last year, we had Tanzanian runners participate, and this year we expect even more—from Tanzania and beyond.”
Anne Katusiime, Head of the Ugandan Consulate in Arusha, welcomed participants and emphasized the growing regional interest. “It’s exciting to see Ugandans running in Tanzania and sharing the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon experience with the region. We believe Tanzanian runners will join us in Kasese in August,” she said.
The Moshi shake-up run also offered an early registration opportunity for participants eager to secure their spots. Registration is available online via rwenzorimarathon.com.
Sandra Againe, Tusker Lite Brand Manager at Uganda Breweries Limited, highlighted the significance of this year’s marathon, noting its recent international recognition.
“This edition is a step up for the event. Following its inclusion in the World Athletics Calendar and attainment of Label Race status, we expect greater global participation, increased impact, and a strengthened position on the international running calendar,” she said.
On the competitive front, Kenyan athlete William Morwabe claimed victory in the 42km full marathon, finishing in 2:18:52, with Kenyan runners dominating the longer distance. Tanzanian athletes excelled in the 21km Yas Half-Marathon, showcasing strong performances on home soil.
Looking ahead, the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon team plans another shake-up run on April 10, 2026, at Camps Bay Tidal Pool in Cape Town, South Africa, on the eve of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. The event will feature running legend Eliud Kipchoge as part of Eliud’s Running World, a series of seven marathons across all continents aimed at inspiring communities through running.
