You’re safe, Uganda's defence chief Kainerugaba assures Rwenzori marathon enthusiasts

KASESE - Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has assured participants in this year’s international Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon of total security.

“Welcome all local, regional, and international participants in this year’s edition of the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon in Kasese,” the defence chief wrote in his X (former Twitter) handle.

“All security agencies have been instructed to ensure the safety and security of all,” he added.

Participants early Saturday started assembling at the start point at Rwenzori Square in the heart of the town.

Kasese, the host, neighbours with the conflict-torn eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Participants from over 30 countries, about 500 from Kenya alone, started thronging Kasese Municipality in Uganda’s western Uganda Kasese district to participate in the 4th edition of the 42km, 21km, 10km, and 5km marathon.

This is the fourth edition of the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon, which started back in 2022.

Organised by Standard Safaris in collaboration with government ministries, departments, and agencies and the private sector, the marathon is aimed at demonstrating Uganda’s tourism potential in the Rwenzori sub-region, which hosts Rwenzori Queen Elizabeth and Kibaale National parks, which are endowed with a kaleidoscope of flora and fauna.

The Marathons for runners to choose from

The 2025 Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon offers the 42-kilometer Equator Marathon with a maximum elevation of about 1,230 meters above sea level. This is a unique way to cross the equator from Kikorongo and pass via the Rwenzori mountains, foothills.

Runners benefit from getting breathtaking views of landscapes and wildlife. This route is a tarmacked road to Kasese Town.

On April 2, 2024, the route was internationally certified by the World Athletics Federation.

Another route is the 21.1-kilometer Kilembe half-marathon with a maximum elevation of around 1,300 meters above sea level. This route was also certified by the World Athletics Federation on April 2, 2024.

Another international recognition of the Kilembe route was by USA Today, where it was ranked among the most scenic half-marathons in the world. Runners on this route will run on a tarmacked road with some parts made of murram, ending in Kasese Town.

The third and fourth routes are the 10 kilometers and 5 kilometers routes. The former route offers the opportunity for first-timers to compete with other seasoned athletes around Kasese Town.

The other offering is the 5 kilometers fun run, which is ideal for all ages, and families are encouraged to participate. With the Rwenzori ranges in the backdrop, you will pass by the unique Kasese urban setting, where you could encounter people on the streets and the sides of roads.

About the Rwenzori Mountains

Kasese Municipality is nestled at the foot of Mount Rwenzori, also known as the Mountains of the Moon, which summits at around 5,109 meters above sea level, the highest point in Uganda.

A huge part of the ice-capped Rwenzori Mountains is found in Rwenzori Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site with numerous wild animals, including elephants, bushbucks, colobus monkeys, and the three-horned chameleons.

Mountain Rwenzori hike

The event is an opportunity for guest participants to have a unique perspective of the Rwenzori Mountains on foot. The guided adventure goes to the snow-covered summit of Mount Stanley.

There are various routes that last up to some 8 days to enjoy the trip, exploring wild animals and amazing plant species like bamboo and other alpine vegetation, after which the trekkers descend and go to the nearby Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park

This is an exciting time to have a firsthand view of the amazing wildlife species in Uganda’s most famous national park. This savannah park is home offers a guided drive unveiling unique animals, reptiles, insects, amphibians, and birds.

Four of the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo - can be seen here.

Lion tracking experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the few homes in the world for tree-climbing lions.

Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel

The marathon event is also a golden chance to sit on a motor boat and travel along the Kazinga Channel connecting Lakes George and Edward, an adventure that offers not only a sense of tranquillity under the golden equator sun but also bird-watching and game viewing.

Wild animals to see include crocodiles, hippos, elephants, waterbucks, as well as pied kingfishers, shoebills, African fish eagles, and grey-crowned cranes.