The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife & Antiquities (MTWA), is promoting sports tourism through events like the Elgon Half Marathon 2024, which took place on November 2, 2024. Sports events were highlighted as a strategic initiative for positioning Uganda as a MICE tourism destination. The marathon attracted global participants, focusing on themes such as climate action and gender-based violence (GBV), and aims to diversify tourism products with future activities in cycling and golf.
The event featured three race categories—21 km, 10 km, and 5 km—with notable winners including Belinda Chemutai and Isaac Mande Kibet in the 21 km races. Joshua Cheptegei underscored the marathon’s role in addressing social issues. Supported by sponsors like the UNDP, the marathon showcased the potential of sports to enhance tourism and community engagement, reinforcing Uganda’s appeal as a tourist destination.