The road to the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon gathered momentum on Sunday morning as members of the Gutsy Bunch and Friends Running Club turned Naalya Metroplex into a hub of running, stretching and fitness activities ahead of the race scheduled for August 22 in Kasese.
Before sunrise, runners streamed into the venue, preparing for either the 10-kilometre or 21-kilometre routes, while others opted for a relaxed walk. Whether chasing personal milestones, improving endurance or embracing a healthier lifestyle, each participant had a reason to take part.
As runners set off along the roads around Naalya, the activation reflected what the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon has become — a community movement bringing together professional athletes, first-time runners and fitness enthusiasts on the same platform.
For some participants, Sunday’s run was another step in their preparations for the challenging Kasese marathon, while for others it marked the beginning of a personal fitness journey.
Among those celebrating a major milestone was runner Emma Wasswa, who completed her first-ever 10-kilometre run.
“I left no dust behind this morning,” Wasswa said after completing the challenge.
The event maintained a lively atmosphere throughout the morning, with music, hydration points and post-run interactions creating a balance between fitness and entertainment — a feature that has become synonymous with Tusker Lite’s running activations.
The Naalya run is part of a series of community activities aimed at preparing runners and building excitement ahead of the fifth edition of the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon.
Speaking after the event, Tusker Lite Brand Manager Sandra Againe said the growing participation in the community runs demonstrates the increasing interest among Ugandans in fitness and lifestyle experiences.
“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,” Againe said.
She encouraged those who have not yet registered to secure their places ahead of 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,” she said.
This year’s edition carries added significance after the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon attained Label Race status and was included on the World Athletics calendar, milestones that boost the event’s international recognition and strengthen Uganda’s position as an emerging sports tourism destination.
Equator Hikes Team Leader Amos Wekesa said the marathon has played a major role in changing perceptions about Kasese by attracting thousands of visitors to experience the region’s natural beauty, culture and hospitality.
“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,” Wekesa said.
As participants reflected on the morning’s experience and celebrated their achievements, excitement continued to build ahead of the August 22 marathon in Kasese.