On Saturday, the streets of Boston lit up with the sights, sounds, and spirit of Uganda. Over 200 guests gathered at Heartbreak Hill Running Co. for Uganda to Boston – a cultural celebration ahead of World Marathon Champion Victor Kiplangat’s debut at the Boston Marathon.
Held in the heart of one of the largest and oldest Ugandan diaspora communities in the U.S., the evening featured traditional dance by the Pearl Dancers, delicious East African street food (yes, there was rolex), and a powerful fireside chat between Kiplangat and U.S.-based elite coach Patrick Cheptoek, both originally from Kapchorwa, the mountain town that has produced Olympic greats like Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo.
“Back in 2023, when I crossed the finish line in Budapest, my heart was aching,” Kiplangat shared. “It felt like a dream – I wasn’t known then. But in that moment, I made Uganda proud.”
Cheptoek reflected on his journey from Uganda to the U.S.: “You don’t have to win to be great,” he said. “You just have to love the sport, do your best, and stay devoted.”
The event also featured a live raffle, where two lucky attendees won an all-expenses-paid trip to Uganda — including entry into the 2025 Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon, round-trip airfare, accommodation, and a bucket-list gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
This night in Boston was a powerful reminder: Uganda’s story belongs on the global stage. And the Rwenzori Marathon is helping write that story.
At the heart of everything we do – from the mountains of Kasese to the streets of Boston – is partnership. That’s how we’re building this marathon: together.
We’re grateful to the partners who made this event possible:
🏃🏿♂️ Heartbreak Hill Running Co.
🇺🇬 Embassy of Uganda in Washington, D.C.
🌍 Uganda Boston Community Association (UBCA)
⚡ Running Launch Ventures
As Victor Kiplangat prepares to take on Heartbreak Hill this Monday, one thing is clear: Uganda is ready. And the world is watching.
All photos: Running Launch Ventures
