Kasese
Saturday September 03
On Saturday morning, thousands of marathoners graced the inaugural edition of the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon in Kasese, a town popular for its magnificent Rwenzori mountain ranges.
Runners brought life and excitement to Stanley Street as many participants raced for the principal cause of championing climate conservation and promoting sports tourism in the country.
In an interview with the media at the marathon, UBL Marketing and Innovations Director, Emmy Hashakimana stated that this would not be a one-off for the organizers and that the Tusker Lite brand would be a part of the adventure for a long time.
“We are proud of what we have accomplished here today and I thank the organizers who have contributed to the success of this event. I’m certain that this marathon is going to transform business in Kasese. Already the signs are evident,” he shared.
Triumphant runners of both male and female long-distance challenges; Cheruta Isgah, Chesang Annet, Andyema Allan, and Chebii Douglas were cheerfully celebrated at the end of the race and awarded medals and cash courtesy of Standard Chartered Bank.
A purse of Shs42m was shared among the winners with the top five in the 42km for both men and female races bagging five, four, three, two, and one million shillings respectively.
In the 21km half marathon, winners of both the male and female races bagged Shs3m each with the first runners-up getting Shs2m and the second runners-up winning Shs1m each.
“The adventure was one of a kind, the terrain is magical and the slight drizzle in the morning greatly made it favorable for running and perhaps helped push me to my win,” an elated Allan Andyema, winner of the 42km men’s race narrated.
A second edition will be held in July 2023, according to the event organizers.
Amos Wekesa a tourism guru, describes the Rwenzoris as the highest, and most technical ranges when it comes to climbing.
“We want to attract more people from across the world to run and also climb Mt. Rwenzori and the conditions to climb are more favorable in July,” Amos Wekesa said.
Several dignitaries including Prince Wasajja, Former Woman MP Winnie Kiiza, the UNDP Uganda Country Representative Elsie G Attafuah, UTB CEO Lilly Ajarova, and the State Minister for Tourism Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka graced the event.
WINNERS LIST
Women’s 42km
Race Winner Cheruta Isgah
1st Runner up Amuron Agnes
2nd Runner up Chelangat Priscilla
Women’s 21km
Race Winner Chesang Annet
1st Runner Nasasira Evas
2nd Runner Chelogont slyvia
Men’s 42km
Race Winner Andyema Allan
1st Runner Bahati Sadic
2nd Runner Omara Patrick
Men’s 21km
Race Winner Chebii Douglas
1st Runner Akankwasa Jonathan
2nd Runner Ramutwire Gilbert
Revelers had fun taking on a prizeless 5km run as they explored the scenic beauty offered by Kasese.
A street rave will see off the participants out of Kasese with a lineup of DJs and guest performers to have the partygoers sorted, and close the event.
credit, pivot media
