In August 2024, Abel Chelangat, a 29-year-old from Bukwo district, clinched victory in the men’s 42km race at the third edition of the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon held in Kasese. He completed the course in an impressive 2 hours, 14 minutes, and 59 seconds, earning him a Shs 10 million cash prize.
The annual marathon, which is organised with a vision to showcase both the beauty of Uganda and uplift its athletic community played a pivotal role in Chelangat’s inspiring journey from the rural Bukwo district in Eastern Uganda to the global stage.
For starters, the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon’s commitment to inclusivity and community impact was evident even before the race was flagged off. The organisers Equator Hikes and Tusker Lite appreciated the logistical challenges faced by talented runners from the remote regions hence providing transport for athletes from the Sebei region to Kasese. This travel assistance proved to be a critical lifeline for Chelangat, who didn’t have the means to make the 760-kilometre journey.
What sets the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon apart is its global outlook. The 2024 edition’s certification by World Athletics and the introduction of an internationally accredited timing system elevated its status, ensuring athletes’ results were recognised worldwide. These strategic upgrades created a pathway for runners like Chelangat to compete on the global stage.
For Chelangat, the recognition was immediate. Among the spectators in Kasese were representatives from Adidas Running, invited by the marathon organisers to scout local talent. Impressed by his performance, Adidas signed Chelangat, providing him with the resources and exposure to compete internationally.
Two months after winning the Kasese marathon, Chelangat was this time not on a free bus ride, but a free flight thanks to Adidas sponsorship and he was headed to Portugal to compete in the Porto Marathon’s 20th edition. He came out victorious and left €5,000 (approximately Shs19,000,000) richer thanks to the prize money.
“It was my first time on a plane, my first time running abroad. The weather was cold unlike Uganda which is always hot, but I put my focus on running and I won the race,” Chelangat says.
Following this triumph, Chelangat has dedicated January and the early part of February to intensive training in preparation for the Riyadh Marathon, scheduled for February 8, 2025, in Saudi Arabia. The Riyadh Marathon offers various race categories, including the full marathon (42 km), half-marathon (21km), a 10 km race, and a 4 km run designed for families, kids, and beginners.
Away from the race track, the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon has impacted the economic fortunes of the local Kasese communities and boosted Uganda’s tourism. Over the past three years, the marathon has transformed Kasese into a thriving hub of economic activity, attracting thousands of visitors and creating opportunities for local businesses to flourish.
Hotels, restaurants, and markets have reported significant growth during the marathon period, with many entrepreneurs launching ventures to meet the surge in demand. The influx of tourists has also prompted infrastructural development, with improved roads, better accommodations, and enhanced utilities to support the growing number of visitors.
This incredible transformation has been largely made possible by Tusker Lite, the premium beer brand and official title sponsor of the marathon. Through its partnership, Tusker Lite has infused the event with the resources, visibility, and organisational excellence needed to create an experience that benefits athletes, local communities, and its visitors.
Elizabeth Mutamuliza, Head of Beer at Uganda Breweries, lauded Chelangat for his inspiring journey and reiterated the brand’s commitment to the marathon.
“We congratulate Abel Chelangat on his incredible achievements and are proud to have been part of his journey to the global stage. Our brand strongly believes in creating opportunities that celebrate the resilience and talent of Ugandans. This is why we remain committed to supporting the marathon and the impact it continues to bring to the Kasese region and the entire country.”
Chelangat’s story is one of the several personal impact stories the marathon has created in just three years. For Chelangat, the world is now his race track and he is one of the names to look out for in 2025.
