Rob Walker urges Ugandan athletes to embrace certified marathons for exposure
Celebrated sports commentator Rob Walker, currently in Uganda for the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon, has urged emerging long-distance runners to consistently participate in such events, starting with the race in Kasese this Saturday.
Marketing Manager Francis Nyende (left), Sports Commentator Rob Walker (second from left), UTB’s John Gesa, and Uganda Tourism Board Executive Director Juliana Kagwa (right) at the UTB offices in Kololo. Photo by Johnson Were
By Johnson Were
Journalists @New Vision
With three internationally certified marathons, Rwenzori, Buhinga, and Elgon, now part of Uganda’s athletic calendar, local athletes are being encouraged to take full advantage of these opportunities.
Celebrated sports commentator Rob Walker, currently in Uganda for the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon, has urged emerging long-distance runners to consistently participate in such events, starting with the race in Kasese this Saturday.
Speaking at a media briefing held at the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) offices in Kololo, Walker emphasized that Uganda is brimming with talent, but visibility is key.
“Uganda has so many talents, but they have to participate in events like the Rwenzori Marathon, which open up opportunities to be spotted by coaches and sponsors,” he said.
He referenced Ethiopian legend Haile Gebrselassie, whose rise to global stardom began at a local race, underscoring the importance of grassroots participation.
Walker also called on Uganda’s corporate sector to support and elevate the country’s top athletes, including Jacob Kiplimo, Joshua Cheptegei, and Peruth Chemutai, describing them as national treasures with global appeal.
The Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon will feature four race categories: 42km, 21km, 10km, and 5km. The full marathon will begin at the Equator along the Kasese–Mbarara highway, while the other races will start from Rwenzori Street, just 150 meters from Kasese Arena.
Juliana Kagwa, Executive Director of UTB, reaffirmed the board’s commitment to using sports as a vehicle for tourism promotion.
“It is everybody’s business to promote tourism, especially sports tourism. Together with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), we are committed to uplifting Uganda’s tourism,” Kagwa said.
Her remarks were echoed by UWA Executive Director James Musinguzi, who emphasized the importance of collaboration in showcasing Uganda’s natural beauty. He announced that all marathon participants would receive attractive discounts on entry to UWA-managed tourism parks.
Francis Nyende, UTB’s Marketing Manager, reinforced the board’s dedication to strengthening sports tourism, positioning Uganda as a destination where athletic excellence and adventure go hand in hand.