KASESE, UGANDA — The Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon has officially secured World Athletics certification for its race routes, marking a major milestone after more than a decade of preparation.
Organizers confirmed that the full marathon distance has been precisely measured at 42.195 kilometres, while the half marathon now stands at 21.0975 kilometres — meeting international standards required for global recognition.
“This is a breakthrough moment,” said Amos Wekesa, one of the event’s key promoters. “After over 10 years of work, today in Kasese, the team got World Athletics required measurements. Now party after party.”
The certification process was led by international course measurer Gavin Wright, who used specialized equipment including a calibrated bike counter to ensure accuracy. The routes were marked with precision across the scenic terrain of western Uganda.
According to organizers, all race categories — from the full marathon to the half marathon, 10km race, and 5km fun run — have now been officially certified, elevating the event’s status on the global athletics calendar.
Wekesa noted that the effort involved a collaborative team, including his son. “Kylan Wekesa arrived early this week and joined us for the work. He drove me, did the earlier measurements with Gavin, and later took on photography,” he said.
The fifth edition of the marathon is scheduled for August 22, 2026, with the starting point set near the Equator within Queen Elizabeth National Park. The event has increasingly attracted elite runners seeking qualification for major international races such as the Comrades Marathon.
Beyond athletics, the certification is expected to boost tourism in the Rwenzori region. Local hotels are already reporting increased bookings, while investors are expressing growing interest in the area.
Organizers say the recognition positions the marathon as not just a sporting event, but a key driver of Uganda’s sports tourism agenda.
