The second edition of the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori marathon is back with Hima cement being its headline sponsor.
Speaking to the media in Kololo on August 15, Amos Wekesa, one of the people behind the idea said the marathon’s major aim is for people all over the world to come and see the Rwenzori Mountain.
He explained that the idea of the marathon slated for September 2 started after they saw what was happening at Mt Kilimanjaro.
“We thought if Kilimanjaro can earn Tanzania income why not Mt Rwenzori for Kasese as well. The first edition happened last year and it was massive. We are back again and a number of sponsors such as Hima cement are coming on board, “he said.
Mr Wekesa also revealed that during the last edition, everyone had an opportunity to tap into the different opportunities available at the Rwenzori Marathon and that they are excited and hopeful that this year will even be bigger and better.
Philemon Mubiru, the marketing manager at Hima Cement revealed that Hima is a proud partner of the marathon for the second year running with hopes of growing their partnership more.
He revealed that as Hima being a driver of sustainability, they are proud to partner with the marathon to ensure they can grow the communities living around the Kasese region.
“We have taken part in activities such as growing coffee and finding its market to ensure sustainability of households in the Rwenzori region. This year, we shall be participating not only financially but also taking part. We are also partners in the different sporting activities in the country and we welcome other people to join us in keeping fit,” he said.
The organisers have made transport means from Kampala available ranging from Shs 45,000 to Shs 120,000 to cater for to and from Kasese. Bar aviation has also put up a package of USD250 for a return ticket to Kasese to be part of the marathon.
Speaking about the marathon, Mr Julius Nkuraija shared that it will have three distances. 42kilometres which will be the full marathon, 21 kilometres half marathon and 5 kilometres which will be the fun run.
“Those taking part in the 42 kilometres will use the Kasese-Mbarara road up to the equator, and the National Park. The 21 Kilometres will be from Kasese to Kilembe and these will see the mountain ranges. We are looking at growing talent in that region since it has good altitude terrain training and promoting sports tourism,” he shared.
He explained that they have a number of runners from Kapchorwa coming down to Kasese and they expect top runners from Kapchorwa and Kenya.
“Whoever finishes the distances will get a finishers medal. All the routes will have hydration points. We want to do it on an international level and we have a team from South Africa that is going to help us do this well.”
Registration for the marathon is Shs 60000 through the website ( MtRwenzorimarathon.com) and accommodation can be booked on Visit rwenzori.com
