The names Joshua Cheptegei, Jacob Kiplimo, and Peruth Chemutai hold a special place in the mind of senior athletics commentator Rob Walker and the veteran British broadcaster has consistently praised the Ugandan stars.
Having done commentary on their performances in major competitions such as the Olympics and World Championships, Walker strongly believes in Ugandan stars.
Cheptegei is a world-famous Ugandan long-distance runner who holds the world records in both the 5,000m and 10,000m. He has earned numerous medals at the Olympics and World Athletics Championships.
Peruth Chemutai made history by becoming the first Ugandan woman to win Olympic gold in athletics, triumphing in the 3,000m steeplechase at the Tokyo Olympics. She later added a silver medal at the Paris Olympics.
Jacob Kiplimo secured a bronze medal in the 10,000m at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and 2022 World Championships.
He won gold in both the 5,000m and 10,000m at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and claimed victory at the 2020 World Half Marathon.
Kiplimo also holds the current half marathon world record, set in 2025.
Rob thinks that marathons like the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon offer a valuable platform for undiscovered young athletes to showcase their talent.
Uganda tourism board Chief Executive Officer, Juliana Kagwa looks at the marathon as a platform that not only promotes Ugandan athletes, but also boosts tourism.
Meanwhile, some of the international participants in this year’s Mt. Rwenzori marathon due August 23 in Kasese have started arriving with teams from Namibia, South Africa and United Kingdom arriving first.
