How Mbarara women are reclaiming health and wellness through running

There’s a growing rhythm in Mbarara District. The rolling hills, cool morning air, and wide-open streets are filled with sneakers hitting the pavement, feet pounding in unison, and a slogan repeated like a chant, “Kiri ahari iwe!” “Your health is your responsibility.”

For locals, this phrase has become more than just motivation. It is a movement led by a vibrant community of walkers and runners known as the Hardlopers, a Mbarara-based group inspiring dozens of people to take charge of their physical and mental health.

From Breathless to Boundless

Among those transformed is Carol Ankunda, a mother of four who once struggled with weight, fatigue and confidence.

“I was breastfeeding my fourth child and weighed 105 kg,” Ankunda recalls. 

“My knees hurt, sleeping was uncomfortable, and I was easily out of breath. But culturally, people told me this was ‘normal’ for a mother of four. Deep down, I knew it was not healthy,” Ankunda told Vision Sports.

Her wake-up moment came when she saw a wedding photograph of herself. 

“I thought, this can not be me,” she says. 

“I started walking small steps, about 3,000 a day but I was inconsistent and unmotivated. I knew it would not wrk,” the hardlopped mobilizer admitted.

Everything changed when she met a group of individuals walking on the road one morning. 

“They invited me to join them,” she says. 

“That is how I became a Hardloper. From that day, my life started to shift,”.

The Hardlopers began in Mbarara with just ten members. Today, they number more than 70 active walkers and runners, professionals, parents and students, all united by the goal of living healthier, more purposeful lives.

Members walk and run daily, log their mileage for accountability, celebrate milestones monthly, and at year’s end receive finisher medals in recognition of consistency and effort.

“It is not just about fitness,” Ankunda says. 

“We share stories, support each other’s businesses, recommend job opportunities, and network. We have become a family, a close social circle that motivates you to show up,”the Club President shared.

As an in training pyshologist, she sees how the group nurtures emotional well-being. 

“It meets our needs for positive emotions, engagement, meaningful relationships and accomplishment,” Ankunda explains. 

A Lifestyle Rewired

At the start of 2025, Ankunda embarked on the 75 Hard Challenge, a mental and physical discipline programme designed to strengthen consistency. 

Her diet changed dramatically, no added sugar, no bread or pastries, no snacks. Three litres of water daily. Meals on time. 

She also followed advice from Dr Chidi Ngwaba, a specialist in lifestyle medicine and plant based nutrition, recommends walking at least 2 km after every meal and managing cravings by delaying indulgences and opting for fruit instead.  

“Running and walking have been a game-changer for me,” Ankunda acknowledged. 

“I have noticed a huge difference in my energy and mood. I used to feel sluggish, but now I feel like I can tackle anything. The endorphin rush after a run is a natural high, it helps me manage stress and anxiety. I feel stronger, more confident and capable of taking on challenges,”.

Ankunda laughs at how far she has come.

“When I started, I could not walk even 3 kilometers, now am doing 10 km feels like I have done nothing. I can not be comfortable unless I have covered a longer distance,”.

Ankunda has since participated in several running events locally and abroad including the Kigali International Peace Marathon and the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon twice.

Atuhaire Phionah, also a hardlopper member echoes the same sentiments.

“Running and walking have been a game-changer for me! I have noticed a huge difference in my energy levels and overall mood,” Atuhaire narrates.

“I have done half marathons locally and internationally Kigali Peace, Nairobi Standard Chartered twice and am looking forward to doing more next year, God willing,”.

Beyond Fitness 

The Hardlopers are part of a wider trend in Uganda, where more women are joining running and walking clubs for wellness and social connection. 

According to the Uganda Running Federation, female participation in marathons and corporate runs has risen sharply, now accounting for nearly 40% of all entrants at major events like the MTN Kampala Marathon and the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon.

At the 2025 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, Uganda recorded one of the highest foreign turnouts, with fitness groups like Hardlopers proudly representing the country among 30,000 runners from over 90 nationalities.

“Running abroad is a celebration,” Ankunda says proudly. 

We are not just chasing medals we are showing the world that Ugandan women are strong, resilient and committed to wellness,” She noted.

The biggest reward is not the medals but the balance found in every area of  life.

“I have been able to balance my life socially, physically and even financially, When you take care of your body, your mind follows. I feel more confident and peaceful. My children see me lacing up every morning and know their mother values health. That is  the legacy I want to leave.” Ankunda said beaming with pride her fitness journey.

Atuhaire concluded that health everyone’s responsibility and it is also our freedom.