Participants will take on the 42km, 21km, 10km and 5km races, all starting and finishing at Boma Grounds. Yet the true significance of the marathon extends far beyond the finish line.
The Fort Portal City Marathon is more than a race. It is a catalyst for tourism, economic activity, healthy living and community development.
Every participant who travels to Fort Portal contributes to the local economy. They book accommodation, dine in local restaurants, use transport services, visit tourist attractions, shop from local businesses and experience the hospitality that has earned the city its reputation as Uganda's Tourism City.
That is the vision behind the marathon's slogan, "A Run in Paradise."
Tourism on the Move
Fort Portal is uniquely suited to host a destination marathon.
Nestled in western Uganda, the city is surrounded by some of the country's most spectacular attractions, including the Rwenzori Mountains, Kibale National Park, Semuliki National Park, Karuzika Palace, Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru caves, Tooro Golf Club, expansive tea estates and dozens of picturesque crater lakes.
For many participants, race weekend offers the opportunity to combine sport with leisure, adventure and cultural exploration.
Tooro Kingdom views the marathon as an avenue to showcase the region's tourism potential while attracting investment and creating new economic opportunities.
"The Fort Portal City Marathon provides us with an opportunity to showcase the beauty, culture and hospitality of Tooro while creating opportunities for tourism, investment and economic growth," Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki said.
Fort Portal City Marathon Chief Executive Officer Stephen Mugabe said the event is designed to encourage visitors to experience more than race day.
"The marathon may bring you to Fort Portal, but the landscapes, culture, adventure and hospitality are what make you stay," Mugabe said.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, attend the Marathon Business Expo, explore the city's attractions and experience Tooro's renowned hospitality before returning home as ambassadors for the destination.
Creating Business Opportunities
Beyond promoting tourism, the marathon has become an important economic driver.
The inaugural edition attracted more than 1,000 runners, featured 40 exhibitors and was delivered with the support of over 100 volunteers.
The influx of participants generated increased business for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, tourism enterprises and small businesses throughout the race weekend.
This year's edition is expected to attract more than 2,500 runners and close to 5,000 visitors over the three-day programme.
A key feature is the Marathon Business Expo, scheduled for July 16 and 17, which provides businesses, government agencies, tourism operators and corporate brands with an opportunity to engage directly with participants and visitors.
Delivering Community Impact
The marathon's impact extends well beyond sport and tourism.
During the inaugural edition, organisers partnered with Roofings Limited to distribute 1,000 tree seedlings to participants and institutions as part of environmental conservation efforts. A percentage of the proceeds was also committed to supporting the Tooro Education Fund.
This year, organisers have expanded the social impact initiative by supporting Tooro Babies Home. Participants and visitors are being encouraged to donate essential items to children under the home's care.
The event continues to strengthen partnerships with Tooro Kingdom, Fort Portal Tourism City, government agencies, corporate sponsors and local communities.
Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV presided over the inaugural edition as Guest of Honour, underscoring the growing role of sport in promoting culture, tourism and regional development.
Building a Destination Marathon
The long-term ambition is to establish the Fort Portal City Marathon among Africa's premier destination marathons.
Achieving that vision will require sustained investment, stronger partnerships, effective organisation and continued community participation. More importantly, it will depend on delivering an experience that inspires runners and visitors to return year after year.
The next chapter begins on July 16 with the opening of the Marathon Business Expo. Visitors will arrive, businesses will connect with new markets, and Fort Portal will once again come alive.
Then, on Saturday, July 18, thousands of runners will take to the streets of Uganda's Tourism City.
For many, the race will last only a few hours.
Its impact, however, is intended to last far longer.
A Run in Paradise awaits.