Kasese, Uganda | On Saturday, running enthusiasts and adventure seekers from around the world gathered in Kasese District for the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon. This event, which attracted participants from over 20 countries, has grown in prominence, with three of its courses receiving certification from World Athletics.
The event, celebrated not just for its competitive spirit but also for the breathtaking scenery of the Rwenzori Mountains, continues to build a strong international reputation.
The marathon offered a variety of courses to accommodate different fitness levels and interests: a 5km fun run, a 10km race, a 21km half marathon, and the challenging 42km full marathon.
The highlight of the event was the 42km full marathon, which saw Chelangat Abel claim victory in the men’s category, while Emily Chebet emerged as the winner in the women’s category.
At the event, lots of young people participated in rallying the community in Rwenzori to preserve nature and market the various tourist attractions to the world.
They participated in the Mt. Rwenzori Marathon to explore the region and also be at the forefront in advocating for a green environment.
Yasin Asaba, a learner at Standard High School in Nyamwamba Division, Kasese municipality told URN that he and his peers participated in this marathon in solidarity with all young people who are championing the greening of the environment. He hopes that if young people especially those who are in school fully embrace nature conservation it would address climate change and its effects.
Ashraf Murangira, another student says apart from discovering new places in Rwenzori, he was also focused on identifying areas that require conservation interventions. He plans to mobilise his fellow students to plant trees in some of the areas he found with bear soils.
Herbert Mugisa, a senior three student at Kasese Secondary School says the race was an exposure to knowledge and skills needed to address pressing environmental challenges in the region.
He added that the growing population is now influencing demand for critical natural resources and services alongside the considerable environmental pressures resulting from unsustainable consumption patterns.
For Bwambale Collins Mbaghuta, the degraded natural resources impact the health and livelihoods of local communities and as such he believes it’s his mandate to contribute to a free toxic environment. He said at their school they are running a greening project to contribute to nature conservation.
Agatha Hamba Muloki, the People Culture and Administration Manager at the World Wide Fund for Nature-WWF-Uganda Country office, said they have supported young people and children to attend the Mt. Rwenzori marathon as initiative to instill environmental stewardship and sustainability practices in their hearts and minds to guarantee a sustainable future for all. She told URN that WWF-Uganda is undertaking the Green Schools Project in 35 schools across the country, an initiative that is putting young people at the center of conservation.
The State Minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang said he is pleased that many young people are taking part in conservation efforts through engaging in different activities. He added that it’s time that the country builds a holistic approach to promote tourism through sports.
— With files from URN
