August 20, 2026
On August 22, 2026, thousands of feet will hit the road in Kasese. Some of those feet belong to elite runners chasing a podium finish, others belong to a mother running her first 5km. And, others belong to a tourist who flew in from another country just to say they crossed the Equator on foot.
The run is a big deal for tourism. It’s Uganda’s first World Athletics Label Road Race, it’s the only certified marathon in the world that crosses the Equator, and it’s pulling in runners from over 30 countries. That’s a huge win for Kasese and for Uganda as a whole. But if you only think of it as a tourist attraction, you’re missing half the story.
Before it was a global event, the Rwenzori Marathon was a local one. It started in 2022 with about 800 runners, and from day one, the communities along the route came out to cheer, give out water, dance, and welcome strangers into their community. To date, whether you are from Kampala, Kasese itself, or just visiting from abroad, on race day you’re all doing the same thing at the same time.
That’s what makes it more than a run. You’ve got elite athletes running for cash prizes right alongside everyday people running just to finish. You’ve got locals and visitors sharing water stations, cheering each other on, and swapping stories at the after-party. For a town like Kasese, which has faced its share of tough headlines over the years, a day like this is a chance to show a different side of itself, and to feel proud of it.
So if you are joining this year, don’t just show up to tick a box or take pictures for the internet. Take it in as an experience. Meet new people, talk to the person next to you, and learn a bit about Kasese and the Rwenzori Mountains. Enjoy the community you are in, not just the finish line. Also you have a chance to enjoy a safari in some of Uganda’s big game destinations located in the area including Queen Elizabeth National Park which is located in Kasese district, and not far from it is Lake Mburo Naitonal Park.
If you are going for this year’s run there are a few things to keep in mind for you to have a worthwhile experience. Kasese is near the Rwenzori Mountains and the weather can be hot, and if you are coming from somewhere cool, your body will feel it. So before you get taken up in the days’ excitement, take these tips seriously;
- Try to land in Kasese two or three days before the race. Your body needs time to adjust to the heat and the mild altitude. Don’t travel in the night before and expect to run your best.
- This isn’t a flat, cool morning jog. There are hills, especially the Kilembe climb, and it gets hot fast. If your training runs have all been on flat, shaded routes, you’re in for a surprise. Practice on hills if you can, and get used to running in heat.
- Don’t wear anything new on race day. Your shoes, your socks, your shorts, all of it should already be used abit. New gear on race day is how blisters and chafing ruin an otherwise good run.
- Drink gallons of water. Water and soda stations are set up every few kilometers, but don’t rely on those alone for the longer distances. Carry your own glucose, and start hydrating well before you even reach the start line, not just when you feel thirsty.
- Listen to your body. Dizziness, nausea and feeling unusually tired are signs to slow down or stop. The Uganda Red Cross will have first-aid points and ambulances along the route, so don’t be shy to ask for help if something feels wrong.
- Protect yourself from the sun and mosquitoes. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, the sun in Kasese rises fast and gets strong. And since the area is a malaria risk zone, use insect repellent, especially in the evenings before and after the race.
- Sort your accommodation and transport early. Kasese fills up fast around race weekend. Roads close early in the morning, so know how you’re getting to the start line the night before, not the morning of.
At the end of the day, this marathon works because people show up for real reasons. Some are running to test themselves. Some are running to support a cause. Some just want to see the Rwenzoris up close and feel part of something bigger than a normal Saturday morning. Whatever your reason, make sure it’s actually your reason. Register at rwenzorimarathon.com pick your distance, and get ready.
