Chemonges sets course records as Ugandans dominate Rwenzori Marathon
Chemonges led a Ugandan clean sweep of the men’s full marathon podium, defeating compatriots Alex Mutai and Fred Cherotwo in a tightly contested race held in Kasese.
Ugandan long-distance runner Leonard Chemonges delivered a historic performance on Saturday, August 22, 2026, after winning the men’s 42.2-kilometre Tusker Lite Mountain Rwenzori Marathon in a new course record time of 2:13:26.
Chemonges led a Ugandan clean sweep of the men’s full marathon podium, defeating compatriots Alex Mutai and Fred Cherotwo in a tightly contested race held in Kasese.
Mutai finished second after clocking 2:13:37, just 11 seconds behind the winner, while Cherotwo secured third place in 2:13:50.
Chemonges’ winning time became the fastest ever recorded by a champion at the Rwenzori Marathon, highlighting Uganda’s growing dominance in long-distance running, Japchumba Claims Women’s Marathon Title.
Kenya’s Margaret Japchumba won the women’s 42.2km marathon after posting a time of 2:39:16.
Uganda’s Vanis Chemutai finished second in 2:43:33, while Joan Chebet completed the podium in third place with a time of 2:44:09.
The result saw Uganda secure two podium positions despite missing out on the women’s overall title, Chebet Extends Half-Marathon Dominance
In the men’s 21.1km half marathon, Abel Chebet continued his impressive record at the event by winning the race for the fourth time in five editions.
Chebet crossed the finish line in 1:02:01, narrowly beating Sam Yeko, who finished two seconds behind in 1:02:03. Oscar Kibet took third place after recording 1:02:45.
The victory further cemented Chebet’s status as one of the most successful half-marathon runners in Rwenzori Marathon history, Gloria Chebet Wins Women’s Half Marathon
Uganda completed a strong showing in the women’s half marathon, with Gloria Chebet taking first place in 1:12:11.
Prisca Chemweno Chesang finished second in 1:12:25, while Viola Munerya Chemos claimed third position in 1:12:35.
Only 24 seconds separated the top three finishers, underlining the competitiveness of the women’s race.
The 2026 Tusker Lite Mountain Rwenzori Marathon attracted top athletes from Uganda and across the region, showcasing the rising quality of East Africa’s distance running.
Chemonges’ record-breaking victory, combined with Uganda’s strong podium finishes across the races, marked another successful edition of the marathon on home soil.
