CCBU injects Shs 100m in next month's Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon

This year’s edition of the marathon is expected to eclipse last year's inaugural marathon, in terms of participation and the prizes to be won.

The runners at this year’s marathon are now projected at around 2400, up from just over 800 last year.

As part of the run set to take place in the western Kasese district, beverage company Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda (CCBU), on Friday unveiled sponsorship to the run to the tune of Shs 100million.

The support is expected to cater to the hydration needs of the runners, and also PET waste bins to manage waste at the event.

The marathon, which focuses on environmental conservation, promoting healthy living, and talent identification, offers runners the option of participating over three distances, the 42km Equator Marathon, the 21km Kilembe Half Marathon, and the 5km fun run. 

Pearl Nimusiima, CCBU Public Affairs, and Communications Manager, said CCBU was proud to support this event promoting environmental responsibility and community well-being. 

“We support causes that we believe impact communities positively. We believe in partnering for solutions that benefit not only individuals, but Uganda as a whole,” she said. 

“We have the scale and reach to make a real difference, and we’re using our leadership position to drive change and help put our planet on a more sustainable path. We want our business and the communities we serve to benefit from greater shared opportunity.”

Amos Wekesa, the team leader Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon from Great Lakes said the event is intended not only to promote Mt Rwenzori, but also the opportunities in the region.

He also said grander prizes await this year’s winners, which he announced as follows.

42 KM Male and Female 

No.1 – 8million 

No.2 – 5Million 

No.3 – 3Million 

No.4 – 2Million 

No. 5 – 1Million 

21Km Male and Female 

No.1 - 5million 

No.2 – 4Million 

No.3 - 3Million 

No.4 – 2Million 

No.5 – 1Million 

Local Winners (residents of Kasese) Male and Female 

No.1 - 500,000 

No.2 – 250,000 

Top four PWDs winners will also win cash prizes.

“We are proud to be hosting the second year of the marathon, through replicating and extending events of this Nature we can have an impact on Uganda, socially, economically, and environmentally,” said Wekesa

“The marathon is an opportunity that will eventually lead to the improvement of communities and people at different levels,” Amos Wekesa said.

Local residents in and leaders in Kasese are reportedly working around the clock to ensure ensure that the event is big success.