On Tuesday, organisers of the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon welcomed eight top Middle Eastern athletic ambassadors who flew in from Dubai and Qatar, signalling the start of an exciting chapter for Uganda’s sport tourism.
The athletes, who represent prominent brands such as Asics, Nike, and Adidas, are in the country to participate in the upcoming Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon.
Among those present at the press conference held in their honour were Khalid Ismail, Carla Pregigueiro, Dani Sposi, and Chad Brissett, all seasoned triathletes eager to take on the third edition of the marathon.
This marks the first time many of these ambassadors will participate in the marathon, a significant event in Uganda’s sporting calendar.
For Khalid Ismail, it is his first visit to Uganda, but the warm reception and hospitality of those he has met has already left quite the impression.
“I am in love with Ugandan hospitality, the weather is amazing, and I absolutely love the food. I can’t wait to check out Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and, of course, run the marathon this Saturday,” he said.
Having marketed Uganda extensively across the Middle East, particularly the marathon, they have successfully positioned the country as a top destination to visit. Their influence has drawn attention to Uganda’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, with many of their followers showing interest in visiting the Pearl of Africa.
Amos Wekesa, the Director of Equator Hikes and one of the key figures behind the marathon, also spoke at the press conference welcoming the guests.
“Kasese is a region of stunning beauty, with incredible people and landscapes that are perfect for a marathon. We are thrilled to welcome these ambassadors and excited to see them experience the adventure that is the marathon,” he said.
This year’s marathon marks the third edition of the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon, which has quickly gained global recognition. The marathon offers multiple race categories, including 5km, 10km, 21km, and the challenging 42km full marathon. The event promises both seasoned runners and first-timers an unforgettable experience.
In addition to the athletes, Uganda also welcomed Finish Time, the professional group responsible for the official timings of each participant in the marathon. The team, which flew in from South Africa earlier today, is renowned for its precision in managing large-scale sporting events.
With just days to go, registration remains open until midnight on Friday, offering last-minute participants a chance to join the race and be part of this momentous event.
