Thirty-seven days to Kasese, and yesterday brought some of the biggest news this race has had since it launched in 2022.

A UGX 3.7 billion vote of confidence

The Government of Uganda, through the National Council of Sports, announced a UGX 3.7 billion investment in the marathon at a press conference in Kampala. It's a serious statement about what this race has become — and where it's headed next.

The ambition on the table: growing the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon from a World Athletics Label race into a World Athletics Gold Label race — the same tier as the world's biggest, most competitive marathons.

State Minister for Sports, Hon. Ogwang, put it like this:

"We have seen our children run in London, New York, Amsterdam — but here we haven't had a product where you can run and perform and win at home. That's why I want to thank Amos Wekesa and the team for building this marathon. Today I am offering funding, and I am working to increase it. The goal is for this to become a World Athletics Gold Label race."

A message to every Ugandan runner

NCS Chairperson Ambrose Tashobya had this to say:

"We want to see this become a lifestyle choice in Uganda — a healthier life. The marathon pushes this narrative. To Amos Wekesa and team, you've already done enough to get us to this level and this accreditation, and in the years to come we will walk this journey with you. I invite all Ugandans to come and run in Kasese!"

And Uganda Tourism Board's Ron Kawamara pointed to what the race has meant for the region:

"This marathon came along and created a whole new space in tourism. It started without much support from government in the beginning, and now it competes against races in Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa, bringing thousands of runners here, many of them big spenders. That's why we need to come in and support. As a local from the Rwenzori region, let me also add that this marathon is great for the local economy."

Uganda has zero cases of Ebola – MoH clears marathon to go ahead

Title sponsor Tusker Lite confirmed this year's race is on track for around 8,000 runners from Uganda and more than 30 countries, with kits already being prepared for distribution.

This announcement came the same day the Ministry of Health confirmed Uganda has zero cases of Ebola, and as a result has entered a 42-day countdown to being declared Ebola-free, with the marathon officially cleared to go ahead.

Haven't registered yet?

Head to rwenzorimarathon.com/register and be part of it — 22 August, starting at the Equator, finishing beneath the Rwenzori Mountains.