The Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon returns on September 6, 2025 in Kasese.

Whether you are a professional athlete or a running enthusiast, there is a spot for you at the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon in Kasese, Uganda.

5109asl
Height of Uganda's highest point Margherita Peak in the Rwenzori mountains
3000
3000 international and Ugandan runners started in Kasese, Uganda in 2024
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Will you take on the challenge and be one of the people at the starting line?

It's been a long time coming

Welcome to the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon, where we aim to create a world-class running event that celebrates the beauty and majesty of the Rwenzori Mountains. Our vision is to promote healthy living, boost tourism to the region, and support local communities through the power of running.

By bringing together local and international runners, we hope to showcase the stunning landscapes of the Rwenzori Mountains and Queen Elizabeth National Park, including its famous glaciers, towering peaks, lush forests and expansive savannah. Our ultimate goal is to make the Rwenzori Marathon a must-attend event for runners and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world.

We began with 800 runners at the starting line in 2022, and more than doubled it for our second year. For our third edition in 2024, over 3000 runners from 33 countries traveled to Kasese.

Through our partnerships with sponsors and stakeholders, we aim to create a lasting impact on the region, supporting local communities and promoting sustainable development. We believe that the Rwenzori Marathon has the potential to be a driving force for positive change, and we invite you to join us on this journey!

How it started

For years, Uganda's running and tourism community have discussed ideas of a running event in the Rwenzoris. There was a burning desire among professional athletes and amateur runners alike to challenge themselves in the wild and beautiful scenery of Kasese. Out of this desire, the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon was born!

We launched our marathon from the top of Rwenzori Mountains, at Margherita Peak in June 2022, and the first-ever Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon took place in Kasese on Saturday, 3rd September 2022.

The Rwenzori Mountains

Our marathon is set against the backdrop of the majestic Rwenzori Mountains, also known as The Mountains of the Moon. 

Nestled in the western region of Uganda, the Rwenzori region offers stunning landscapes, unique flora and fauna, and unparalleled adventure opportunities. From the towering peaks that rise above the clouds to the crystal-clear glacial lakes and dense forests that dot the landscape, the Rwenzoris are truly a natural wonder.

Since the ancient Greek scholar Ptolemy claimed that these legendary Mountains of the Moon were the source of the Nile, the Rwenzori Mountains have captured the imagination of adventurers and explorers.

In the Rwenzori Mountains you find the third highest peak in Africa, Margherita Peak (5,109 m ASL). It is also the only place in the world where you can experience glaciers on the equator. A true marvel of nature!

Come and discover the magic of the Mountains of the Moon!

Our objectives

The Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon is a social enterprise aimed at benefiting society. We work to:

  • Promote a healthy lifestyle among Ugandans
  • Highlight sports play as a critical factor in both physical and psychological health
  • Create a competitive platform for Ugandan athletes
  • Unearth more talent and more long-distance/ marathon runners for the country
  • Educate the masses about climate change and its rapid adverse effects on nature and human life

Our Guiding Principles

1. Increased tourism

Uganda is the Pearl of Africa, and through this event we want to bring awareness to its amazing scenery and wild beauty.

2. Healthy living

We want to highlight sports play as a critical factor in physical and psychological health, aiming to increase Ugandans' healthy lifestyles.

3. Conservationism

The glaciers of Rwenzori are melting at a rapid rate, making climate change a threat to our immediate environment. Preserving our natural environment is essential for us and a guideline for our choices.

4. Local community

We intend direct benefits to the local communities in Rwenzori, incl. employment opportunities, utilisation of local resources and infrastructure improvement.

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