StanChart Reveals Sh140m Kitty for Rwenzori Marathon Winners

Prize money distribution:

• Men’s 42 km: UGX 10 million for the winner, with cash prizes for the top 6 finishers.
• Ladies’ 42 km: UGX 10 million for the winner, with cash prizes for the top 6 finishers.
• Men’s 21 km: UGX 7 million for the winner, with cash prizes for the top 5 finishers.
• Ladies’ 21 km: UGX 7 million for the winner, with cash prizes for the top 5 finishers.

Standard Chartered Bank Uganda has announced the prize money for this year’s Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon, scheduled for August 24 in Kasese

During a press briefing held on Tuesday at the bank’s head office in Kampala, the total prize package was revealed to be UGX 140 million.

This amount will be distributed among the top three winners in various race categories, including recognition for the best local talent and participants with disabilities.

This announcement marks a significant milestone for the marathon, which is set to hold its third edition and its first since being certified by World Athletics.

Sanjay Rughani, the CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Uganda, expressed his excitement about the bank’s continued partnership with the event.

“As a bank, we’re honored to partner with the Rwenzori Marathon again. We invite all Ugandans to participate and benefit from the event,” Rughani commented.

“To international marathoners, Uganda is a beautiful destination, and this marathon showcases its beauty while promoting a healthy lifestyle.

“A marathon has a profound impact on a country, enhancing its image, attracting international participation, and allowing locals to compete with the best. It’s a platform for building relationships, partnerships, and values beyond running.

“At Standard Chartered Bank, we’re committed to this event as a purpose-driven, profitable bank. CSR is in our DNA, and we focus on long-term impact. The marathon aligns with our goals, bringing international recognition, promoting fitness, and supporting sustainable development.

“We’ll leverage this opportunity to engage with the Kasese community, introducing our unique products, such as high-interest shilling accounts, and empowering them to optimize their finances. We’re committed to making a positive impact in Kasese and beyond.”

Last year, the men’s 42km marathon was won by Vitalis Kwemoi, who completed the race in 2 hours, 17 minutes, and 21 seconds. Bernard Cheptoch was narrowly beaten by Kwemoi by just a second, while Abraham Kiplimo came in third with a time of 2 hours, 17 minutes, and 37 seconds.

On the women’s side, Viola Chemos, a 30-year-old Bukwo-born athlete, won the 42km marathon, beating Rosina Jepkosgei, who finished in 2 hours, 50 minutes, and 32 seconds, and Priscila Chelangat, who came in third with a time of 2 hours, 52 minutes, and 1 second.

In the men’s 21.1km race, Abel Chebet, Ben Chelimo, and Norman Kipyeko took the podium places with times of 1 hour, 2 minutes, and 56 seconds, 1 hour, 2 minutes, and 57 seconds, and 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 2 seconds, respectively.

In the women’s 21km category, Dorcus Ajok won with a time of 1 hour, 16 minutes, and 24 seconds, followed closely by Belinda Chemutai, who clocked in at 1 hour, 16 minutes, and 30 seconds, and Annet Chelangat, who finished in 1 hour, 16 minutes, and 32 seconds.

Last year, the winners of the 42km race in both the men’s and women’s categories each took home UGX 8 million. The runners-up received UGX 5 million, while the third, fourth, and fifth place finishers earned UGX 3 million, UGX 2 million, and UGX 1 million, respectively.

In the 21km race, the winners in both categories received UGX 5 million, with the runners-up and other top five finishers receiving UGX 4 million, UGX 3 million, UGX 2 million, and UGX 1 million, respectively.