Rwenzori Marathon brings in South African race guru to boost global standards

The Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon has strengthened its ambition of becoming one of Africa's leading road races after appointing experienced South African race organiser Sue Ullyett as Associate Manager ahead of this year's fifth edition.

Team leader Amos Wakesa believes the appointment is another major step in improving race standards following the marathon's recent World Athletics Label Race status and inclusion on the World Athletics calendar.

"We're proud to welcome Sue Ullyett as Associate Manager for the Rwenzori Marathon. With a powerhouse background across global endurance events, she brings world-class expertise that will help us continue improving the event," Wakesa said.

Ullyett brings more than 20 years of experience in race operations, strategy, athlete experience, and international partnerships. She has worked on some of the world's biggest races, including the Two Oceans Marathon, Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, Ultra-Trail Cape Town, Drakensberg Marathon, and Dubai Marathon. She is also an accomplished runner, having completed more than 100 marathons and five Comrades Marathons.

Wakesa said Ullyett's experience in planning, race-day operations, sponsorship, athlete experience, and international partnerships will help increase participation and raise the event to international standards.

"From planning to race-day execution, sponsorships to global runner engagement, she knows what it takes to build and scale elite events. Her strength is connecting marathons to the world, growing participation, strengthening our global presence, and elevating standards to World Athletics level," he added.

The appointment comes as organisers intensify preparations for the August 22 marathon in Kasese through community activations and international promotion.

On Sunday, hundreds of runners participated in a community activation at Naalya Metroplex after a similar event was held earlier at Rwenzori Auto Spa in Kasese, the host district. Members of Gutsy Bunch and Friends Running Club took part in 10km and 21km runs, while others joined a fun walk.

The activations brought together elite athletes, amateur runners, and fitness enthusiasts, with music, hydration stations, and post-run activities creating excitement ahead of race day.

In recent months, organisers have also promoted the marathon at major running events in South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania to attract more regional and international participants and position Uganda as a sports tourism destination.

Wakesa said learning from South Africa's successful marathon industry is key to achieving the organisers' long-term vision.

"The best marathon organisers on the African continent are based in South Africa, and that is why the biggest qualifying marathons are held there. Now that we want to go higher, we shall continue bringing experienced people on board so that we can learn from them while strengthening the good team we already have," he said.

He believes the appointment marks the beginning of a new phase for the marathon.

"With Sue joining forces with our creative powerhouse team, the Rwenzori Marathon is stepping into its next global chapter. This is not just growth; this is evolution," Wakesa said.

The fifth Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon will be held in Kasese on August 22. Organisers expect a record turnout after the race attained World Athletics Label Race status, a milestone they believe will boost Uganda's profile as a destination for international road racing and sports tourism.