By Aaron Okotel
MBALE CITY
The third edition of the Elgon Half Marathon has been officially launched on Tuesday, set to take place on November 1, 2025. The event, which has already drawn support from over 20 corporate companies, government institutions, and private sector businesses, aims to transform Mbale City by focusing on two critical issues: the ecosystem and gender-based violence.
Speaking at the launch, Anthony Kuka Cherotich, Chairman of Joshua Cheptegei Development Foundation (JOCDEF), emphasized that the marathon is more than just a race. “The ecosystem of Mbale needs urgent attention,” he stated. “Together, I think we can restore Mbale’s dignity. The history of flooding, the history of landslides, all this environmental degradation within this Elgon region, we hope we can fight it and have an environment where everybody will survive.”
The marathon has gained a significant new partner with the House of the Umukukha of Bamasaba joining to support the initiative. Steven Masiga, the spokesperson for Nzu yamasaba, called upon all Bamasaba to participate. “Let us run for our health, let’s run for our environment, let’s run for our tourism program potential of this region,” he urged.
Masiga also sounded a strong warning to the community, advising them to remain vigilant during the rainy season when the region is prone to floods and landslides. “We also want to encourage Bamasaba to ensure that they are a little bit alert. Do not oversleep, do not overdrink in such times, because sometimes a landslide could come when you are drunk and you are not here.”
The event is expected to attract more than 5,000 guests, a significant increase from the previous event’s 2,000 attendees.
In a move to boost local innovation and enterprise, Abraham Kiplimo, CEO of Joshua C Foundation, announced an exhibition will be held on October 31, 2025, a day before the marathon. The exhibition will offer free stalls to Mbale’s innovators, the business community, and young entrepreneurs.
The pre-marathon exhibition is set to attract high-profile guests, including ambassadors, government agencies, and ministers. World and Olympic champion Joshua Cheptegei will also be in attendance.
