Chemonges bags Shs 40m prize after setting new Mt Rwenzori Marathon record

What the report says

Ugandan runner Leonard Chemonges won the men’s 42km race at the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon and set a new event record, according to The Observer. He finished in 2:13:26, taking the Shs 40 million top prize and an electric bike. The report says he broke the previous record held by fellow Ugandan Alex Chalanget, who had won the 2024 edition in 2:14:59.

The race also produced strong results for other Ugandan runners. Alex Mutai placed second in 2:12:37 and received Shs 20 million, while Fred Chemusto finished third in 2:13:50 for Shs 10 million. Anthony Ayeko and Martin Chemusto rounded out the top six in the men’s event.

In the women’s 42.2km race, Kenya’s Margaret Jepchumba won in 2:39:16. The Observer reported that she said her performance came from preparation and focus on her goal. In the half marathon, Uganda Police Athletics Club runner Abel Chebet won the men’s title for the fourth time in the marathon’s five editions, while Gloria Chebet took the women’s gold. Both half-marathon winners received Shs 15 million.

Marathon organiser Amos Wekesa said athletes from 42 countries took part, underscoring the event’s growing international profile. The race continues to serve as a major athletics and tourism showcase for western Uganda.