Ugandan runners off to Lusaka for Absa Marathon Zambia

The top runners from this year’s Absa KH3 7 Hills Run traveled out of Uganda on Thursday to take part in the Absa Marathon Zambia, which will be held on September 26 in Lusaka.

Peter Akwech, Isaac Masaai, Sylvia Chelangat, and Abate Tadelech earned their places by finishing first and second in the men’s and women’s 25km races at the Absa KH3 7 Hills Run.

This event continues to bring together thousands of Ugandans to support girls’ education.

The sponsorship covers flights, accommodation, and other support to help the runners prepare for international competition.

At the flag-off ceremony, 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.

"Peter, Isaac, Sylvia and Abate earned this opportunity through their exceptional performances on one of Kampala's most challenging running courses. 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 certified by World Athletics and is 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.

Kenya Airways, the official airline partner, is helping the athletes travel to Zambia and welcomed the chance to support this effort.

"At Kenya Airways, we are proud to support platforms that promote excellence, wellness and community impact across Africa and the world. We are delighted to facilitate the travel of these outstanding Ugandan athletes as they represent Uganda in Zambia. This partnership reflects our commitment to connecting people, opportunities and experiences across the continent while supporting the growth of African sport," said Felix Mwangangi, Country Manager Uganda, Kenya Airways. Speaking on behalf of the running community, Alice Gita Okecho, Hash Master of the Kampala Hash House Harriers, congratulated the athletes and encouraged them to make the most of the opportunity while proudly representing Uganda on the regional stage.

Both the Absa KH3-7 Hills Run in Uganda and the Absa Marathon Zambia use sport to create social impact. In Uganda, money raised from the run supports the Keep a Girl in School initiative, which helps remove barriers that keep girls out of school, such as menstrual health issues and lack of water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities.

The 2026 Absa Marathon Zambia will support projects that improve access to assistive technology for people with disabilities, showing how sport can help drive positive social change in the region.