‘I Want the Rwenzori Marathon to Become a Global Event’, – Wekesa

CAPE TOWN, South Africa:- The Rwenzori Marathon has taken a significant leap onto the global athletics stage with its official showcase at the 2025 Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town, South Africa, one of Africa’s premier long-distance running events.

Speaking from Cape Town, Amos Wekesa, a key figure behind the Rwenzori Marathon, expressed his ambition to elevate the Ugandan race into a global brand.

“Marathons like Two Oceans accommodate thousands of participants from over 100 countries. This is an opportunity to showcase the beauty of Uganda, particularly Kasese, to the world,” said Wekesa.

He was part of the Ugandan delegation in Cape Town that included Maren Mbjogum, Kylan Wekesa, and Moses Rutahigwa, who have been in South Africa since April 1 promoting the Rwenzori Marathon and engaging with potential participants and partners.

The Two Oceans Marathon, which features a 56km ultra-marathon and a popular 21km half-marathon, is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most iconic races. It attracts tens of thousands of runners and fans each year and has representation from over 100 countries.

For the Rwenzori Marathon, participating in such a high-profile event forms part of a broader strategy to increase international awareness and draw foreign runners to Uganda.

“We’ve already had people here in Cape Town telling us, ‘We’re coming to Uganda for the Rwenzori Marathon this year,’” Wekesa said, noting growing global interest.

So far, runners from 17 countries have already registered for the Rwenzori Marathon, including Kenya, Uganda, the UAE, Canada, Australia, England, Spain, Qatar, and the United States. Organizers are targeting 40 to 45 countries by race day.

Team Uganda was also represented on the race course at the Two Oceans event. Moses Rutahigwa successfully completed the ultra-marathon distance of 56 kilometers, while Amos Wekesa also participated, pushing beyond his expectations.

“It didn’t go as I thought. Tried to work on my mind but ended up doing below 40 km, which is far more than the 21 km I had come for,” he reflected.

Though no Ugandan has yet clinched a win at the Two Oceans Marathon — traditionally dominated by runners from South Africa and Zimbabwe — Wekesa believes such international platforms are crucial for positioning Ugandan races like the Rwenzori Marathon on the world map.

About the Rwenzori Marathon

The Rwenzori Marathon, held annually in Kasese District, offers breathtaking views of the Rwenzori Mountains and Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is quickly emerging as one of East Africa’s most scenic and sustainable marathons, attracting both elite and recreational runners.