The road to the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon gathered pace on Sunday morning as members of the Gutsy Bunch and Friends Running Club turned Naalya Metroplex into a sea of running shoes, stretching routines and infectious energy ahead of the race scheduled for August 22 in Kasese.
Before sunrise, runners steadily streamed into the venue, lacing up for either the 10-kilometre or 21-kilometre routes, while others opted for a leisurely walk. Whether chasing personal bests, building endurance or simply embracing a healthier lifestyle, everyone had a reason to be there.
As the different groups rolled out onto the roads around Naalya, the activation reflected what the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon has increasingly become, a community movement where elite runners, first-timers and casual fitness enthusiasts share the same starting line.
For some, Sunday’s run was another milestone in preparation for the challenging Kasese race. For others, it marked the beginning of a new fitness journey.
One of those celebrating a personal achievement was runner Emma Wasswa, who successfully completed a 10-kilometre run for the very first time.
“I left no dust behind this morning,” Wasswa later said.
The atmosphere remained lively throughout the morning. Music echoed across the venue before and after the run, while hydration stations offered much-needed refreshment, creating an experience that balanced fitness with fun, a signature of Tusker Lite’s running activations.
The Naalya run forms part of a series of activations designed to prepare runners and build excitement ahead of the fifth edition of the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon.
Speaking after the run, Tusker Lite Brand Manager, Sandra Againe said the growing turnout at the community activations demonstrates how Ugandans are embracing both fitness and experiential lifestyle events.
“Every activation brings together people with different goals, but they all leave having achieved something. Some are preparing for the marathon, others are completing distances they never thought possible, and many are simply discovering the joy of running. That’s exactly what the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon is about, challenging yourself while enjoying the journey.”
The Brand Manager urged those yet to secure their place to register before the race.
“We encourage everyone who hasn’t registered yet to do so. This year’s marathon promises to be our biggest yet, and we want as many Ugandans as possible to experience not just the race, but everything that Kasese has to offer.”
This year’s edition carries added significance after the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon earned Label Race status and secured inclusion on the World Athletics calendar, milestones that elevate the race’s international profile and further position Uganda as an emerging destination for sports tourism.
Equator Hikes Team Leader Amos Wekesa said the marathon continues to transform perceptions of Kasese by introducing thousands of visitors to one of Uganda’s most scenic regions.
“The marathon has done far more than create a sporting event. It has changed the image of Kasese by bringing people here to experience the mountains, the culture, the hospitality and the beauty of the region. Every year we see more visitors staying longer, exploring more attractions and contributing to the local economy. That impact continues to grow.”
As runners shared recovery conversations and celebrated another successful morning on the road, the excitement surrounding the August 22 race was unmistakable.
