The highly anticipated Legends Marathon 2025 was officially launched on Thursday at Legends Rugby Grounds, Lugogo, setting the stage for an even bigger and more transformative second edition.
The event brought together elite and recreational runners, retired and active athletes, running club captains, corporate partners, and media—all united by the marathon’s mission to change lives through sport.
Scheduled for Sunday, April 13, 2025, at Legends Rugby Grounds, the marathon aims to support athlete career transitions, talent development, and the growth of Uganda’s sports tourism industry.
Speaking at the launch, Legends Marathon director Andrew Mwanguhya reaffirmed the marathon’s commitment to empowering athletes beyond competition.
“The Legends Marathon is more than just a race—it’s a movement,” Mwanguhya said. “Our vision is to build a legacy where every athlete, whether retired, active, or aspiring, finds opportunities beyond their sporting career.”
This year’s edition will feature 42km, 21km, 10km, and a 5km fun run, ensuring inclusivity for all participants.
A major highlight is the introduction of Athlete Career+, a year-round programme designed to equip athletes with essential life skills.
The programme will provide training in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, job placements, mentorship, mental health support, sports coaching, agribusiness, and media skills.
Net proceeds from the marathon will support the initiative, with contributions open throughout the year.
The Legends Marathon is an annual event in Uganda that aims to provide a platform for both elite and recreational runners while promoting the empowerment and career transitions of athletes.
It was first launched in 2024 and is designed to support athletes in various aspects beyond competition, such as offering career development, financial literacy, mental health support, and entrepreneurship training.
Running for a Legend
The 2025 theme, “Run For Your Legend,” encourages participants to dedicate their run to someone who inspires them, whether a sports hero, a family member, or even themselves.
Each runner’s race bib will include space to write the name of their chosen legend.
The marathon has already secured key partners, including Crown Beverages as the official hydration partner, Kaynela Farms for modern farming education, Safe Places for mental health and gender-based violence (GBV) support, and Stanbic Business Accelerator for entrepreneurship training.
Catherine Poran, CEO of Stanbic Business Accelerator, pledged support for athletes transitioning beyond their sporting careers.
“We are proud of what The Legends Marathon has started,” Poran said.
“Under our Stanbic Business Accelerator, we will provide entrepreneurship training to help athletes transition beyond sport. We will conduct a needs assessment to understand their specific needs and work closely with The Legends Marathon to deliver tailored support.”
Janet Katana of Safe Places emphasized the need for mental health support during and after an athlete’s career.
“We are introducing a sports-centric mental health module and a special programme dedicated to fighting GBV,” Katana said.
Daniel Mubeezi of Kaynela Farms praised the marathon’s dedication to athlete transition.
“At Kaynela, we resonate with this vision,” Mubeezi said. “We specialize in organic and modern farming and look forward to equipping athletes with agricultural skills that can provide an alternative source of income. We’re also excited to host them at our farm for the full agro-tourism experience.”
The launch featured testimonies from elite and retired athletes, as well as running club captains, who shared how the marathon is shaping Uganda’s running culture.
Among the sports legends in attendance were Mujib Kasule and Majidah Nantanda (football), Davis Karashani and Naomi Kayondo (cricket), and Alex Mubiru (rugby).
Three-time Commonwealth champion and Olympian Moses Kipsiro, Ganzi Mugula (Uganda’s 2012 Olympic swimming captain), Isaac Zebra Ssenyange Jr. (boxing), and Andrew Gita (table tennis) also attended.
These athletes spoke candidly about the challenges of transitioning from active sport.
“It’s a dark place where we often feel ignored and uncertain about the future,” one athlete remarked.
“But with The Legends Marathon, we see hope—a bridge between the past, present, and future for athletes at all levels.”
Agnes Kasule of Kankolera Running Club echoed the marathon’s mission of transforming lives through sport, representing the 23 running clubs in attendance.
Countdown to Race Day
Registration for The Legends Marathon 2025 is now open at www.thelegendsmarathon.com.
Organisers have promised an unforgettable experience for every participant, whether runner or walker.
“Secure your slot and get ready for a more-than-a-race experience—a celebration of endurance, purpose, and transformation,” Mwanguhya urged.