Kwemoi, Chemos win gold at 2023 Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon

Vitalis Kwemoi and Viola Chemos Munerya were crowned male and female winners of the second edition of the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon that took place in the scenic town of Kasese on Saturday, September 2.

Kwemoi posted a time of 2:17:21 in the 42km men’s category while Chemos posted 2:49:03 in the women’s category. Each won prize money of 8 million Uganda shillings.

“I am so happy about this win. I hope it will be the first of many. I am eyeing qualification for the 2024 Olympic Games. I want to emulate Joshua Cheptegei and Victor Kiplangat and also win gold for Uganda on the world stage.

“Unlike Kapchorwa where I come from, Kasese was hot, but I braved the weather and came out victorious,” Kwemoi said after his victory.

And like they say, there is nothing like a mother’s love, Chemos said she will use her prize money to pay school fees for her children.

She also hopes to represent Uganda on the international scene.

Uganda Breweries Managing Director Andrew Kilonzo and Standard Chartered CEO Sanjay Rughani handed over the prize money to the triumphant gold medal winners.

“We are happy with what the marathon has achieved in just two years. Numbers have more than doubled and this year we registered over 2,000 runners,” Kilonzo said.

“As UBL, we are proud of this marathon because of the positive impact it has had on the Kasese region. It has cast the spotlight of the world on the tourism-rich Kasese and this is going to have a lasting influence on the community,” he added.

In the 21km half-marathon category, Abel Chebet took the men’s gold, posting 1:02:56 while Dorcus Ajok took the women’s prize posting 1:16:24.

Amos Wekesa the Director of Equator Hikes, the organizers of the marathon, noted that the marathon is beginning to get recognition on the world stage, noting that they registered runners from 14 countries this year.

“This year has been an incredible experience with a spectacular mix of participants both local and international. The marathon has now become a beacon of sports tourism and domestic tourism,” Wekesa remarked.

The Rwenzori Mountain Ranges, known for their breathtaking beauty, provided a stunning backdrop to the marathon, drawing thousands of participants, including British famous sports commentator, Rob Walker.

Even the elderly and runners of different abilities took part in the races, making it an inclusive event that encouraged community involvement.

Cash Bonanza

The top five finishers in the 42km race in both the men’s and women’s categories won Shs8m, Shs5m, Shs3m, Shs2m and Shs1m respectively.

The top five in the 21km half-marathon (both male and female) walked away with Shs5m, Shs4m, Shs3m, Shs2m and Shs1m respectively.

Away from the major races, was a 5km fun run that drew many thrill seekers. Each of the athletes who completed the race was also rewarded with a medal.

“Tusker Lite is for people pioneering a lifestyle without without limits. The brand shares the spirit of marathon runners and we are proudly associated,” said Kilonzo.

Among the notable names were Rob Walker, an international athletics commentator, and three-time Commonwealth gold medallist Moses Kipsiro and his team of runners.

Full List of Winners:

MENS 42KM CATEGORY

• Winner – Vitalis Kwemoi
• First Runner Up – Benard Cheptoch
• Second Runner Up – Shetrack Kimaiyo
• Third Runner Up – Abraham Kiplimo
• Fourth Runner up – Daniel Rotich

WOMENS 42KM CATEGORY

• Winner – Chemos Viola Munerya
• First Runner Up – Rosina Jepkosgei Kiboino
• Second Runner Up – Priscilla Chelangat
• Third Runner Up – Vanis Chemutai
• Fourth Runner up – Agnes Jepkosgei

MENS 21KM CATEGORY

• Winner – Abel Chebet
• First Runner Up – Somikwo Ben Chelimo
• Second Runner Up – Norman Kipyeko
• Third Runner Up – Oscar Kibet
• Fourth Runner up – Thomas Ayeko

WOMENS 21KM CATEGORY

• Winner – Dorcas Ajok
• First Runner Up – Belinda Chemutai
• Second Runner Up – Annet Chalangat Chememgich
• Third Runner Up – Chebet Scarlet
• Fourth Runner up – Rebecca Cherop