Who is organizing the Rwenzori Marathon?
The 2026 Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon is organized by Magnificent 7 Wonders Uganda Ltd, with Tusker Lite as the title sponsor. The event has grown into Uganda’s first World Athletics Label Road Race, making it one of only a few internationally recognized road races in East Africa.
When will the marathon take place?
The main race day is:
- Saturday, 22 August 2026
- Location: Kasese, Western Uganda, at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains.
What race categories are available?
There are four official race categories:
- 42.2 km Equator Marathon
- 21.1 km Kilembe Half Marathon
- 10 km Run
- 5 km Vibes Run
The official registration portal is open for the 2026 Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon, which will take place on Saturday, 22 August 2026 in Kasese, Uganda.
Registration fees
The marathon uses two pricing periods:
Early Bird (before 1 July 2026):
- East African citizens and residents, UGX 50,000
- International participants, US$50
Regular (from 1 July 2026)
- East African citizens and residents, UGX 60,000
- International participants, US$60
These fees apply regardless of whether you choose the 5 km, 10 km, 21 km or 42 km race.
Registration requirements
According to the official registration information, participants should:
- Register online through the official marathon website.
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Complete the online registration form.
- Pay the applicable registration fee.
- Collect their race kit before race day using their registration confirmation.
- Arrange their own travel, accommodation and (for international runners) travel insurance and entry requirements for Uganda.
What are the marathon routes?
42.2 km Equator Marathon
- Starts from the equator and runs towards Kasese town along Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Crosses the Equator.
- Travels towards Kasese Town.
- Continues into the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains.
- It is promoted as the only marathon in the world that crosses the Equator.
21.1 km Kilembe Half Marathon
- Runs through the scenic foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains around Kilembe.
- Recognized by USA Today among the world’s scenic half marathons.
10 km
- Loops around Kasese Town.
- Suitable for recreational and beginner runners.
5 km Vibes Run
- A fun run through the streets of Kasese focusing on participation rather than competition.
Where are the start and finish points?
Based on the official route information:
- 42 km: Starts from the equator to the Kasese and finishes in Kasese Town.
- The shorter races are centered around Kasese Town, with the half marathon extending toward Kilembe before returning.
How many participants are expected?
The organizers describe the event as attracting thousands of runners from Uganda and around the world. The 2025 edition sold out and drew participants from 36 countries, and organizers expect even broader international participation in 2026. Early registrations had already come from at least seven countries several months before race day. However, the organizers have not published an official expected total number of participants for 2026.
Where do participants come from?
Participants countries include:
- Uganda
- Kenya
- Tanzania
- Rwanda
- Other African countries
- Europe
- North America
- Asia
- Australia
In recent editions, runners have represented more than 30 countries.
Which African country has the most participants after Uganda?
While the organizers have not released an official country-by-country registration breakdown for 2026, Kenya has consistently been the strongest international market. This is reflected in:
- organized travel packages departing from Nairobi,
- strong participation by Kenyan elite athletes,
- and Kenya’s proximity to Kasese.
What accommodation is available for last-minute bookers?
If accommodation in Ruboni Tourism Village becomes fully booked, visitors can still find rooms in Kasese and nearby. Options include:
- Sandton Hotel Kasese
- Rwenzori International Hotel
- Hotel Margherita
- Bwiranda Hotel
- TJ Global Hotel Kasese
- Uhuru 50 Hotel
- Mt Rwenzori Travellers Guest House
- Gators Hideaway Resort Kasese
- Kamwe Kamwe Hotel and Spa
- White House Hotel Kasese
- Rwenzori Imperial Hotel
- The Elephant Home, Kikorongo
For visitors seeking a more authentic experience close to the mountains, Ruboni Tourism Village, approximately 24 km from Kasese Town, remains one of the best choices. It offers eco-lodges, some of the best community camps in the region, homestays, campsites, and apartments, with opportunities to enjoy village walks, coffee experiences, Bakonzo culture, forest hikes, and guided treks before or after the marathon. It is also recognized as a UN Tourism (UNWTO) Best Tourism Village, making it an attractive destination for travelers interested in sustainable tourism.
