Tulabagane
Crafting Memories Across Africa
The Rwenzori Marathon is an annual running event held in Kasese, western Uganda, at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the Mountains of the Moon. The event has grown from a local sporting event into an international race attracting runners from Uganda and different countries around the world.
On 22 August 2026, runners from Uganda and different parts of the world gathered in Kasese for the 5th edition of the Rwenzori Marathon. If you have been on social media this week, you may have noticed something different happening in Kasese. There were runners, cheering crowds, race numbers, music, celebrations and, of course, the beautiful Rwenzori Mountains in the background. Some came to run, others came to support friends and family, while many simply wanted to enjoy the atmosphere and explore western Uganda.
It is not simply about running from one point to another — the scenery, communities and mountains become part of the experience.
You don't have to be a professional athlete to participate. The marathon offers different distances for different levels of runners.
This 42.2 km marathon is the main and longest race. The route starts at the Equator in Kikorongo, within the Queen Elizabeth National Park area, and takes runners towards Kasese and the Rwenzori region. The route is internationally certified and includes a challenging climb towards the Kilembe area before returning towards the finish in Kasese.
This 21.1 km half marathon gives runners a shorter but still challenging distance. The route starts in Kasese Town and heads towards the Rwenzori foothills before joining the final section of the marathon route. It is a good choice for runners who want to experience the Rwenzori Marathon without taking on the full 42.2 km.
This 10 km race offers another option for people who want to participate over a shorter distance. The route takes runners around the Kasese area, allowing them to enjoy the atmosphere of the event while taking in views of the Rwenzori landscape. It can be a good option for both newer runners and those who simply prefer shorter distances.
This 5 km vibes run brings a more relaxed and fun side to the marathon. It is ideal for people who want to participate, enjoy themselves with friends and family and experience the energy of the event without committing to a long distance race.
The 42.2 km route is one of the biggest attractions of the event. It starts around the Equator in Kikorongo, and runners make their way through the western Uganda landscape towards Kasese.
The route takes runners through the Queen Elizabeth National Park area and towards Kasese, with the Rwenzori Mountains providing an impressive backdrop. It also includes the challenging Kilembe climb, making the race physically demanding while giving runners a unique experience of the region.
Imagine beginning your marathon near the Equator and eventually running towards the foothills of the Mountains of the Moon — making the marathon an extraordinary experience.
The excitement does not begin on race morning. In the days leading up to the event, runners start arriving in Kasese from different parts of Uganda and other countries, race kits are collected, runners prepare themselves and people begin getting familiar with the town.
Hotels and accommodation facilities become busier. Restaurants welcome more customers, transport operators have more visitors to move around and local businesses benefit from the increased activity.
Race day starts early where runners prepare for their different distances and make their way to their starting points. For the 2026 event, the 42.2 km race started at the Equator, while the 21.1 km, 10 km and 5 km races started in Kasese near the race arena. All the races finished in Kasese.
Along the routes, people come out to cheer the runners, some support friends and family, while others simply enjoy watching the race pass through their communities.
The Rwenzori Marathon doesn't simply end when the last runner crosses the finish line. Participants and visitors have time to meet, take photographs, eat, relax and celebrate. The 2026 edition was especially significant because it marked the fifth anniversary of the event, with entertainment and celebrations forming part of the weekend.
This is one reason the Rwenzori Marathon has become more than a sporting competition. It brings together running, tourism, music, entertainment, business and community.
The marathon has become an important way of showcasing Kasese and western Uganda. Someone may first travel to Uganda because they want to participate in the marathon, but once they arrive, they discover the Rwenzori Mountains, Queen Elizabeth National Park, local communities, food and other experiences available in the region.
They may then decide to return for a longer holiday — defining the beauty of sports tourism. People come for the event, but they discover the destination.
Kasese is worth visiting even when there is no marathon. The Rwenzori Mountains provide an incredible backdrop, while Queen Elizabeth National Park offers fantastic opportunities to experience Uganda's wildlife where you can enjoy game drives, boat cruises, cultural experiences, nature and mountain adventures. And during marathon weekend, the town has an extra energy that you simply have to experience for yourself.
Maybe you come because you love running.
Maybe you come to support someone.
Maybe you want to challenge yourself with 42.2 km, 21.1 km, 10 km or 5 km.
Or maybe you simply want to see what the Rwenzori Marathon is all about.
Whatever brings you to Kasese, don't let the race be the only thing you experience.
Come for the marathon. Stay for the adventure.
If you are planning a Rwenzori Marathon trip, Tulabagane Expeditions Africa Safaris can help you turn your marathon visit into a complete western Uganda experience — arranging transport, accommodation, wildlife safaris, boat cruises, cultural experiences and other activities depending on how much time you have and what you would like to see.