Standard Chartered Bank Uganda has once again re-activated its marriage with the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon as a committed partner for the fourth year running, since the marathon’s inception in 2022.
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Through its continued support, the Bank is reaffirming its dedication to championing athletics, health, and sustainability. As in previous years, Standard Chartered is sponsoring the prize money for elite runners, helping make the Rwenzori Marathon one of Uganda’s most competitive long-distance races.
This year’s top prize for the 42km winners (men and women) stands at UGX 10 million, while winners of the 21km races will each walk away with UGX 7 million. Additional cash prizes will be awarded to runners placing in the top six, to PWD, as well as standout local athletes from Kasese – a program specifically designed to nurture talent from the region.
“We believe in marathons, the Rwenzori marathon is a huge enabler for talent, businesses, talent identification and I know what it means. We believe this is a dream that is going to come true. Its about heart, mind and soul” said Sanjay Rughani, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Uganda.
“This year, we’re proud to contribute UGX 150 million to support the Rwenzori Marathon, with the bulk going directly to prize money for elite, PWD and local athletes. Thanks to our partnership with the Rwenzori Marathon, many of our staff are now active runners.
This sponsorship is changing lives – even within our bank. In the time that I have been traveling there, Kasese has transformed – from a quiet town to a destination that is now associated with running and opportunity. The marathon has elevated Kasese. People are proud to be from there. The question people now ask is: ‘Are you from Kasese? Do you run?’.”
One such journey is that of Abel Chelangat, the 2024 marathon winner, who used his official time from the World Athletics-certified course to qualify for the Porto Marathon. He went on to win the race and is now signed by Adidas as part of their global marathon team.
Trees and Talent Beyond the finish line, Standard Chartered will also return to Kasese this year to plant trees as part of its climate action commitment – a tradition it has maintained since the first edition of the
marathon.
The initiative supports both reforestation and the marathon’s broader vision of climate-conscious sports tourism. “As a marathon, we care about what happens long after the crowds go home – from nurturing the next Abel Chelangat to restoring Uganda’s natural beauty. With partners like Standard Chartered, that vision becomes real,” said Amos Wekesa, Team Lead, Rwenzori Marathon.
The Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon takes place on Saturday, August 23, 2025, in Kasese, Uganda – and promises another year of athletic excellence, environmental action, and community impact.
The Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon returns to Kasese on Saturday, August 23, 2025, with four distances: the 42km full marathon, 21km half marathon, 10km, and 5km vibes run. The routes wind through the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains and along the edges of Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering a rare blend of endurance and scenery.
The 42 and 21 km routes are World Athletics-certified, attracting elite athletes, recreational runners, and tourists alike.
The 2025 edition is proudly supported by Tusker Lite, Standard Chartered Bank, Britam, Coca Cola Beverages, Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Airlines, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and KIA Motors.
