- Event: 2nd Fort Portal City Marathon
- Date: Saturday, 18th July 2026
- Start & Finish: Boma Ground
- Distances: 5KM, 10KM, 21KM, 42KM
- Fee: Ug.Shs 60,000 with a finisher’s medal
- Theme: A run in Paradise
All is set for the second edition of the Fortal Portal City Marathon due on Saturday, 18th July 2026.
Over 2,500 runners are expected to take to the roads of Uganda’s Tourism City in Fort Portal City for the theme marathon; “A run in Paradise”.
The countdown is on. With Race Day fast approaching, preparations for the second edition of the Fort Portal City Marathon have entered the final stretch as organizers prepare to welcome thousands of runners and visitors to Uganda’s Tourism City.
The start and finishing point will be at the famous Boma grounds.
Varying distances:
The runners will compete in the 5KM, 10KM, 21KM (half marathon) and 42 KM (full marathon) with nearly 5,000 people anticipated across the wider three-day marathon experience.
But activity will begin long before the first runner takes to the road.
Last year, Cosmas Olemukan won the full 42 KM marathon whilst Hilda Nkoola won the same distance for females.
Three days of experience
The Marathon Business Expo will run from July 16–17 at Boma Ground, bringing together businesses, exhibitors, government agencies, tourism operators, partners and visitors.
The Expo will provide a platform for businesses to showcase products and services, engage directly with participants and create experiences ahead of Race Day.
The Fort Portal City Marathon is no longer simply about what happens on Race Day. We are building a complete experience. We want people to come early, experience the Expo, run the marathon, enjoy Fort Portal, explore Tooro and leave as ambassadors for the destination.
Stephen Mugabe, CEO – Fort Portal City Marathon
Bigger second edition
The 2026 edition builds on the foundation of last year’s inaugural marathon, which attracted 1,000 registered runners, 40 exhibitors and more than 100 volunteers.
This year’s event is expected to more than double runner participation while welcoming a growing number of visitors, exhibitors and partners.
The marathon has also expanded its national visibility through partnerships across tourism, media, corporate and public sectors.
Organisers say preparations have focused on delivering a safe and memorable experience, with work ongoing around race logistics, route management, hydration, security, medical support, branding and participant experience.
Running through paradise:
Starting and finishing at Boma Ground, the marathon route takes runners through the distinctive landscape of Fort Portal.
The course winds through the leafy Njara hills, crosses the Mpanga River and climbs the demanding Bukwali Hill before passing some of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, including St Leo’s College Kyegobe, Nyakasura School, St John’s and Virika cathedrals, Fort Portal’s adjacent mosques and Karuzika Palace.
Beyond the course lies an even wider destination experience. Visitors can explore Tooro’s crater lakes, tea estates, cultural sites, national parks, nightlife, hospitality and communities.
Community at the heart:
The marathon will also continue its community impact initiatives. This year, organisers will support Tooro Babies Home and encourage runners, visitors and partners to donate essential items for children in its care.
The initiative builds on the inaugural edition’s environmental and education interventions, which included the distribution of 1,000 tree seedlings and a committed contribution to the Tooro Education Fund.
“Our ambition is to build something that creates opportunities for businesses, promotes healthy living, supports our communities and showcases our destination to Uganda and the world,” says Mugabe.
Final call
Registration for the marathon is UGX 60,000, covering the official marathon shirt, route hydration and a finisher’s medal.
As the final countdown begins, organisers are calling on runners, families, businesses and visitors to make their way to Fort Portal.
The message is simple. Come early. Experience the Expo. Run the race.
Discover Tooro.
