The year 2026 started on a high note for the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon, with the race securing World Athletics Label Road Race status and earning a place on the World Athletics calendar.
Additionally, ahead of the fifth anniversary race in Kasese this Saturday, August 22, organisers have increased the total prize purse to UGX 252 million, up from UGX 92 million last year.
The bigger prize money is aimed at attracting more elite runners from Uganda, East Africa and beyond. It also gives local athletes a bigger opportunity to compete for significant rewards at home.
The event will offer the biggest prize purse for a marathon in Uganda.
In the 42km full marathon, the winners in both the men’s and women’s categories will each receive UGX 40 million. Second place takes UGX 20 million, third place UGX 10 million, fourth place UGX 8 million, fifth place UGX 6 million and sixth place UGX 4 million.
The 21km half marathon also comes with a strong reward structure, with the winners in both the men’s and women’s categories taking home UGX 15 million. Second place will receive UGX 10 million, third UGX 6 million, fourth UGX 4 million, fifth UGX 2 million and sixth UGX 1 million.
Men and women will receive equal prize money at every position, giving athletes an equal opportunity to compete for the UGX 252 million purse.
For Tusker Lite, the increased purse reflects the growth of the marathon and its ambition to attract stronger competition to Kasese.
“We have seen the marathon grow over the past five editions, and increasing the prize money is another step forward. This gives runners a strong reason to come to Kasese and compete,” said Sandra Againe, Tusker Lite Brand Manager at Uganda Breweries Limited.
The marathon, which was launched in 2022, is expected to attract about 8,000 runners this year, with participants registered from 26 countries.
“We are almost sold out, with only a few slots remaining. We are encouraging everyone who is still interested in taking part to take advantage of these final few days and secure their place,” said Collin Masiga, Chief Executive Officer of the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon. Registration for the 2026 Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon is still open via https://www.rwenzorimarathon.com/registration
