Chelangat grabs gold in the Absa Marathon Zambia
The 32-year-old was one of four Ugandans among 11,500 runners across various categories in the country's largest marathon.
Sylivia Chelangat (left), Peter Akwech and Isaac Masai (right) pose with their awards after the race in Zambia. Courtesy photo
Ugandan female athlete Sylvia Chelangat clocked 1:15.59 to win the Absa Marathon Zambia 21km race on Sunday.
The 32-year-old was one of four Ugandans among 11,500 runners across various categories in the country's largest marathon.
The rest were Peter Akwech, Isaac Masaai, and Abate Tadelech, who earned their places by finishing first and second in the men’s and women’s 25km races during the Absa KH3 7 Hills Run held in Kampala in May.
In addition to the gold medal, Chelangat earned sh5m for her sweat. At the same time, Akwech and Masaai, who also grabbed bronze and fourth place, respectively, in the men’s division over the same distance, walked away with sh3m and sh2m respectively, in the elite and open categories.
During the Absa Kampala Hash Harriers 7 Hills Run, Akwech crossed the finish line in 1:21:40 over the 25km route to emerge as the top male finisher. At the same time, Sylvia Chelangat clocked 1:46:55 to win the women’s category and earn the Zambia trip, courtesy of Absa.
Peter Akwech (left), Sylivia Chelangat and Isaac Masai (right) pose with their awards after the race in Zambia, September 28, 2026. Courtesy photo
Proceeds from this year’s run (sh700m) will support eight organisations working with girls and communities across Uganda to address barriers to education for the most vulnerable.
The money will fund school fees, learning materials, bicycles for girls who travel long distances, support for teenage mothers returning to school, improved water and sanitation, inclusive education for students with disabilities, counselling and mentorship, vocational and life skills training, and stronger school support systems.
The beneficiaries included the Uganda Red Cross, World Vision Uganda, Amref Health Africa, and Plan International, each receiving sh100m. Windle International Uganda and Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation-Uganda received sh90m each, while Ride-Africa and Kyaninga Child Development Centre received sh60m each.
Speaking earlier before he flagged them off, Billy Bisanga, Head of Client and Digital Marketing at Absa Bank Uganda, said the initiative shows the bank’s commitment to creating real opportunities for Uganda’s runners. "By supporting their participation in the Absa Marathon Zambia, we are not only recognising excellence but also providing exposure to international competition. We want the Absa KH3-7 Hills Run to continue creating opportunities for runners while advancing the social purpose for which it was established."
The Absa Marathon Zambia is World Athletics-certified and one of Africa’s fastest-growing running events. It attracts thousands of runners from across the continent. With 5km, 10km, 21km, and 42km races, the marathon has become a key event in African athletics, letting participants compete with top international runners.
Results: Top five
21km-Men
Andrew Dick-1:04.25
Obert Michelo-1:04.42
Peter Akwech-1:05.48
Isaac Masai-1:05.54
Simon Siakalenge-1:00.20
21km-Women
Sylivia Chelangat-1:15.59
Brenda Mumbi-1:16.50
Patience Garauzive-1:25.20
Offles Sijuwa-1:29.01
Phiri Zingalume-1:31.10