Uganda athletics season to open with Source of the Nile Half Marathon

The 2026 Uganda Athletics season will officially begin on Sunday, February 15, 2026, with the 13th edition of the Source of the Nile Half Marathon in Jinja.

The one-day, 21km event is expected to attract a large turnout of athletes eager to test their speed and endurance ahead of upcoming international competitions.

Uganda Athletics publicity secretary Abdallah Muhammed told Vision Sport during the launch at the federation offices in Kampala that preparations are complete.

“This is the opening race of our calendar and we expect a big turn up. We have prepared to our best and are ready,” Abdallah said.

Assistant secretary Namayo Mawerere, who hails from the Busoga region, expressed excitement at Jinja City hosting the event.

“This event is very important to the federation because it gives athletes an opportunity to discover themselves in the marathon,” Mawerere noted.

He explained that due to ongoing road construction in Jinja, the race will follow last year’s route, meaning new records are unlikely. The run will also serve as a selection ground for athletes to represent Uganda in a road race in Denmark later this year in September, helping them sharpen their speed ahead of international competitions.

Prize Money and Equality

The marathon carries a cash prize pool of sh10.8m, with equal rewards for men and women. Winners in both categories will receive sh2m, runners-up sh1.5m, and third-place finishers sh1m. The fourth and fifth positions will earn sh800,000 and sh600,000 respectively.

This commitment to equality contrasts with other sports disciplines that often award men higher prize money than women.

Defending Champions

Last year’s winners were Chebet Saibi of Uganda Prisons in the women’s category and Mark Kiptoo in the men’s race. Both will be looking to defend their titles.

The marathon will start and finish at First Gym in Jinja City, further boosting tourism and business in the Busoga region.