The Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon, held annually in the heart of Kasese District, has grown into a celebrated event that draws athletes, adventure seekers, and cultural enthusiasts from across Uganda and beyond. With the dramatic backdrop of the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, often called the “Mountains of the Moon,” this marathon is more than a sporting event. It is a showcase of Uganda’s natural beauty, a driver of tourism, and a symbol of the community’s resilience and pride. Yet, beneath the excitement and fanfare lies a growing concern: the escalating impacts of climate change threaten the very foundation upon which this marathon rests, jeopardizing not only its future but also the livelihoods, heritage, and environment of the region.
Kasese District, lying at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, has long been shaped by the rhythms of its highland climate. In recent decades, however, the climate has been shifting in unprecedented ways. Uganda’s average temperature has risen by over 1.3 degrees Celsius since the 1960s, with an increase in hot days and warmer nights. Rainfall patterns have become increasingly erratic, with longer dry spells punctuated by bursts of extreme rainfall. This is particularly visible in the Rwenzori region, where the glaciers, once vast and gleaming under the equatorial sun, are retreating at an alarming pace.
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Historical records show that the glaciers covered about 6.5 square kilometres in 1906; by the early 2000s, less than one square kilometre remained. Scientific studies have documented that by 1990, the glaciers had already shrunk to less than half their 1955 extent. The Stanley Plateau glacier, the largest on the Ugandan side, has lost almost 30 percent of its area between 2020 and 2024 alone. Reports from the World Meteorological Organization and UNESCO warn that these glaciers could disappear completely by mid-century, with some projections suggesting that certain peaks may lose their ice as early as 2030.
The loss of these glaciers is not just a visual or scientific concern. They are the headwaters of rivers that nourish the valleys and plains below, and their disappearance is disrupting hydrological systems. Rivers like Nyamwamba, Mubuku, and Rwimi now experience extreme fluctuations, drying to a trickle in prolonged droughts and swelling dangerously during heavy rains. The melting glaciers, combined with intense storms, have increased the frequency of flash floods and landslides. Kasese has borne the brunt of these disasters, with some of the most devastating events in recent history occurring in the past decade. In September 2022, for example, heavy rains triggered landslides in the hilly areas of Kasese District, killing over a dozen people and destroying homes and crops. Floodwaters often surge through the town of Kasese, displacing families, disrupting businesses, and damaging infrastructure critical for hosting large events like the marathon.
These environmental changes have direct implications for the marathon. Flooded or washed-out roads make it difficult to maintain safe and reliable race routes. Landslides can block access to certain areas entirely, forcing last-minute alterations to the course or even event cancellations. Rising temperatures pose health risks to runners, who may face higher chances of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. For an event that relies on its unique, challenging terrain and pristine natural setting to attract participants, these changes threaten to diminish its appeal. Furthermore, extreme weather events can disrupt travel plans for both local and international runners, as well as the spectators and tourists who boost Kasese’s economy during marathon season.
Beyond the physical challenges, the cultural fabric of the region is also at risk. The Rwenzori glaciers hold deep spiritual meaning for the Bakonzo people, who see them as sacred and integral to their heritage. For generations, these icy peaks have been woven into local rituals, myths, and agricultural practices. The snow was once used as a natural marker for seasonal changes, guiding planting and harvesting cycles. As the ice retreats, these cultural reference points fade, eroding traditions that have been passed down for centuries. Cultural organizations, with support from partners such as the British Council and the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda, are working to document and preserve this heritage, but the loss of the glaciers represents an irreplaceable cultural and ecological wound.
The marathon’s identity is inseparable from this landscape. International participants are drawn not only to the challenge of running at altitude but also to the breathtaking views of glaciated peaks, lush montane forests, and alpine meadows. As the glaciers vanish and the vegetation zones shift upward due to warming, the very scenery that distinguishes the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon from other races may change irreversibly. The potential decline in eco-tourism poses a further economic challenge for Kasese, where many livelihoods depend on visitors drawn to the mountains.
Adapting to these changes will require concerted efforts. Event organizers may need to rethink race timing to avoid peak rainfall periods and extreme heat. Course design must consider the growing risk of floods and landslides, with alternative routes planned in advance. Medical readiness will have to be enhanced, with better hydration stations, first-aid facilities, and rapid response teams. Transport and accommodation providers will need contingency plans to ensure that runners and spectators can reach the venue safely despite unpredictable weather.
Environmental adaptation is equally crucial. Reforestation programs are already underway in the region, with some initiatives planting over 100,000 tree seedlings in recent years, aiming to reach millions in the next two decades. These efforts not only stabilize slopes and reduce landslide risk but also help restore the ecological balance. Projects supported by the European Union and local conservation agencies are working to strengthen community resilience, provide alternative livelihoods, and promote sustainable tourism. Integrating the marathon into these environmental campaigns could make the event a platform for climate action, raising awareness among participants and spectators while directly contributing to conservation.
Cultural preservation can also be woven into the event. Alongside the marathon, organizers could host exhibitions, storytelling sessions, and performances that celebrate the Rwenzori heritage and educate visitors on the impacts of climate change. This would both enhance the visitor experience and ensure that the cultural heartbeat of the mountains continues to be felt, even as the physical landscape evolves.
Similar mountain races around the world offer instructive parallels. Events in the Alps have had to adapt to shorter snow seasons, shifting some ski marathons to higher altitudes or different times of year. In East Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya are facing similar glacier retreat, affecting trekking routes and tourism appeal. In the Himalayas and Andes, marathons and mountain treks are increasingly affected by landslides, flash floods, and heat stress, leading to innovations in route design and safety protocols. These examples show that while climate change presents severe challenges, it is possible to adapt in ways that preserve the spirit of the event.
The stakes for the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon are high. If the region’s glaciers vanish, floods and landslides intensify, and temperatures continue to rise, the event’s iconic status could be undermined. Yet, there is also an opportunity here: to make the marathon a flagship example of climate resilience, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship. By aligning its planning and messaging with sustainability goals, the marathon can inspire both participants and spectators to appreciate, protect, and adapt to the changing mountain environment
In the end, the story of the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon will be a test of Kasese’s ability to adapt to the profound challenges of a warming world. It will require innovation from event organizers, support from government and conservation agencies, and active participation from the community. If these forces can come together, the marathon may not only survive the impacts of climate change but also emerge as a beacon of resilience, proving that even in the face of melting glaciers and shifting seasons, the human spirit and the spirit of the Rwenzori can endure.
