All Set for Fort Portal City Marathon 2026

Organisers of the Fort Portal City Marathon say all is set for the second edition of the race on July 18, with more than 2,500 runners expected to participate and thousands more attending a three-day programme combining sport, tourism, business and community engagement.

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 organisers prepare to welcome thousands of runners and visitors to Uganda’s Tourism City.

The marathon will take place on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Boma Grounds in Fort Portal under the theme, "A Run in Paradise."

More than 2,500 runners are expected to compete in the 42km, 21km, 10km and 5km race categories, while nearly 5,000 people are anticipated to take part in activities throughout the three-day marathon programme.

Three Days of Activities

The celebrations begin before race day with the Marathon Business Expo, which will run from July 16 to 17 at Boma Grounds.

The expo will bring together businesses, exhibitors, government agencies, tourism operators, development partners and visitors, providing an opportunity to showcase products and services while engaging directly with participants ahead of the race.

Fort Portal City Marathon Chief Executive Officer Stephen Mugabe said the event has evolved beyond a one-day sporting competition.

"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," Mugabe said.

Building on a Successful Debut

The 2026 edition builds on the success of the inaugural marathon, which attracted more than 1,000 registered runners, 40 exhibitors and over 100 volunteers.

This year's event is expected to more than double participation while attracting additional exhibitors, tourism stakeholders and corporate partners.

Organisers say preparations have focused on delivering a safe and memorable experience through detailed planning for race logistics, traffic management, hydration stations, security, medical services, branding and participant support.

A Scenic Race Through Fort Portal

Starting and finishing at Boma Grounds, the race route offers participants a unique opportunity to experience Fort Portal's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Runners will pass through the scenic Njara Hills, cross the Mpanga River and tackle the challenging Bukwali Hill before passing prominent landmarks including St Leo's College Kyegobe, Nyakasura School, St John's Cathedral, Virika Cathedral, the city's neighbouring mosques and Karuzika Palace.

Beyond the race, visitors will have the opportunity to explore Tooro's crater lakes, tea plantations, national parks, cultural sites, nightlife and renowned hospitality.

Giving Back to the Community

Community impact remains a central pillar of the marathon.

This year's edition will support Tooro Babies Home, with runners, visitors and partners encouraged to donate essential items for children under the home's care.

The initiative builds on last year's environmental and education programmes, during which organisers distributed 1,000 tree seedlings and committed support 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," Mugabe said.

Final Countdown

Registration for the marathon costs Shs60,000 and includes an official marathon shirt, race hydration and a finisher's medal.

With just days to go, organisers are encouraging runners, families, businesses and tourists to travel to Fort Portal early to experience the Marathon Business Expo, participate in the race and explore everything Tooro has to offer.

The invitation is straightforward: come early, experience the expo, run the race and discover Tooro.