Francis Tumwesigye wins third edition of Legends Marathon

Over 500 runners, both men and women, participated in the third edition of the Legends Marathon, competing across the 42km, 21km, 10km, and 5km distances through the streets of Kampala Central and Nakawa.

The event saw runners navigate the straights, slopes, and hills of Kololo, Kyambogo, Ntinda, and other parts of Kampala’s industrial area. The marathon aims to support the well-being of former athletes in the country.

Multi-sportsman Francis Tumwesigye was in top form as he won the race, clocking 2:50:15 on Sunday. The race started and ended at Kyambogo Cricket Ground.

Tumwesigye, 29, a technician at Jorex Contractors, secured a podium finish, further boosting his growing marathon career. He also won the Makerere Run in August last year, finished sixth in the Gulu Marathon in December, and competed in the Kabaka Birthday Run this year.

A true multi-sportsman, Tumwesigye began as a cyclist in 2014, switched to boxing in 2018, and transitioned to running in 2023.

“The race was tough with several hilly sections in Kololo, Naguru, and Kyambogo, among others. Winning has motivated me as I look forward to competing in the 50km Kyambogo Run in May this year and the Kasese Tusker Lite Marathon in December,” he said.

Uganda’s three-time Commonwealth 10,000m champion Moses Kipsiro, now running the Hilltop Training Camp in Bukwo District, finished second in the 10km race behind Silver Okiror from Soroti.

Kipsiro, former New Vision Managing Director Robert Kabushenga, and rugby legend Alex Mubiru flagged off the races before also taking part in different categories.

Benita Mulelenge, Maureene Koech, and Violet Nankinga topped the women’s 42km race, winning gold, silver, and bronze respectively.

Event proprietor Andrew Mwangutsha praised the growing participation at the marathon, held under the theme “Run For Your Legend.”

“We don’t only run for legendary athletes. You can run for anyone who has touched your life or empowered athletes in Uganda,” Mwangutsha noted.

He added that proceeds from the marathon are aimed at improving the livelihoods of retired athletes through initiatives such as financial literacy and mental health awareness, which began last year.

Mwangutsha called for more sponsorship to further expand the event in future editions, including offering prize money to winners.

Rugby and athletics legends were well represented at the event, which also featured a para-athlete, Sanex Barigye from Mbarara, who competed in the 10km race.

Nivana Water, Kaynela, Rugby Hospital, Pride Bank, Safe Place Uganda, Hungry Lulu, Black Kahive, Game of Life, and Hardware World were among the sponsors of the event.

Legends Marathon 2026 Winners

Men (42km)

Francis Tumwesigye  2:50:15

Champ Alinda  2:50:61

Henry Byomire  2:53:80

Men (21km)

Kosmans Olemkan  1:28:47

Sunday Antima  1:28:75

Innocent Iraguha  1:28:61

Women (21km):

Amelia Lenanton  1:31:31

Brenda Natulinda  1:39:46

Clare Nanteza  1:41:70