Abel Chelangat’s Rise After Mt. Rwenzori Marathon

It’s been just over a year since long-distance runner Abel Chelangat claimed victory at the 2024 Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon in Kasese, and the triumph continues to bear fruit far beyond the prize money he took home on that day.

The World Athletics-certified marathon has lived up to its mission of uplifting athletes, serving as a launchpad for Chelangat’s inspiring journey from rural Bukwo District in Eastern Uganda to the global stage, where he continues to thrive.

Spotted by Adidas Running representatives during the Kasese race, Chelangat was provided with resources and international exposure, opening doors to opportunities once beyond his reach. Within just 12 months, he has lined up and impressed at prestigious races including the Porto Marathon in November 2024, the Riyadh Marathon in February 2025, and the Rabat Marathon in April this year.

His latest standout performance came at the recently concluded World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where he finished fifth in the marathon with a time of 2:10:11—just over four minutes slower than his winning run in Kasese.

Despite being informed only two weeks before that he would compete in Tokyo, Chelangat delivered a remarkable performance on his Worlds debut. For much of the race, he looked destined for glory, leading with a kilometre to go before fatigue set in.

In the dramatic closing stages, Tanzania’s Alphonce Felix Simbu outsprinted Germany’s Amanol Petros to win by a razor-thin margin of 0.03 seconds inside the Japan National Stadium.

Chelangat still pocketed US$11,000 (about Shs 40 million) in prize money, a significant reward from the championship’s US$8.5m pot.

The income will go a long way in sustaining his training, improving his living conditions, and supporting his family. Already, earnings from his recent races have enabled him to invest wisely, secure better training facilities, and strengthen his path toward greater success.

For the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon, Chelangat’s progress embodies the essence of the event. Denise Nazzinda, Brand Manager – Premium Beers at Uganda Breweries Limited, said his story underlines the marathon’s mission of discovering and nurturing Ugandan talent.

“Chelangat’s strong showing at the World Athletics Championships is a clear reflection of the opportunities created through the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon. It’s encouraging to see the impact of our efforts in identifying and supporting homegrown talent translating to results on the world stage,” Nazzinda noted.

Since its inception in 2022, the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon has produced many inspiring journeys like Chelangat’s while also boosting tourism, hospitality, and small businesses in Kasese.

The 2025 edition, held in August, attracted thousands of runners from across the globe, reinforcing the marathon’s growing stature and its role in supporting community, movement, and progress.

For Chelangat, the race in Kasese was the breakthrough moment—and his continued rise on the world stage is proof of what can happen when opportunity meets talent and determination.