Mbarara City Marathon

View on map
Sports & AdventureMbarara
DatesDates TBA · Usually MarchCheck locally before booking
Duration1 dayListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCompetition, enduranceThe race distinguishes itself through
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: UGX
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Mbarara City Marathon in Mbarara

The Mbarara City Marathon is a road race in southwestern Uganda branded Run the Land of the Long Horns, referencing the region's iconic Ankole long-horned cattle. Its second edition, sponsored by Tusker Lite and set for March 28, 2026, at Mugaba Palace in Kamukuzi with over 1,000 expected runners, was officially cancelled shortly before race day due to safety, regulatory, and last-minute operational concerns.

The Mbarara City Marathon set out to become southwestern Uganda's answer to the country's other city marathons, branding itself Run the Land of the Long Horns after the Ankole cattle breed whose sweeping horns are a regional symbol, and starting races from Mugaba Palace in Kamukuzi, the historic seat of the Ankole kingdom.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The race distinguishes itself through cultural branding around Ankole cattle, the long-horned breed central to southwestern Uganda's Banyankole identity, pairing the run with cultural showcases, guided tours, and an evening Tusker Lite-sponsored rave in its second-edition planning

02

The mystery stays covered

Registration packages bundled race kit, transport, and guided tours under an Explore Ankole tourism promotion, and the race start point, Mugaba Palace in Kamukuzi, ties the event directly to Ankole royal heritage

03

The city starts moving

However, the marathon's short track record includes a serious setback: organizers officially cancelled the planned March 2026 second edition just before race day, citing regulatory compliance issues and operational challenges from last-minute changes, disappointing international entrants who had traveled from Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, DR Congo, and the United Kingdom

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The race's branding around long-horned Ankole cattle

Water and renewal

Living ritual

prized in Banyankole culture for milk

The sacred route

Living ritual

and their deep symbolic value

The local code

Living ritual

and its starting point at Mugaba Palace

Tradition 5

Living ritual

seat of the Ankole kingdom's royal heritage in Kamukuzi

Tradition 6

Living ritual

tie the modern road race to the region's pastoral and monarchical traditions rather than treating the marathon as a generic sporting event

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually March

Getting around

Base the route around Mbarara, then leave extra time for temporary streets, queues or late return traffic.

What to wear

Standard road-race running kit, moisture-wicking layers, and broken-in shoes for the marathon course; official event merchandise has featured Ankole longhorn-themed designs. A light jacket...

Safety

For Mbarara City Marathon, choose safe viewing points, watch weather and leave extra time around starts, finishes or releases.

Where to stay

Stay near workable transport in Mbarara, especially if the event runs late or streets close.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

UGX

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map0.60 S, 30.65 EOpen in Google Maps

Mbarara, Western Region, Uganda

Nearest airportKHX — Savannah Airstrip
TransportBase the route around Mbarara, then leave extra time for temporary streets, queues or late return traffic.
Stay areaStay near workable transport in Mbarara, especially if the event runs late or streets close.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Mbarara via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Mbarara, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for March.Compare faresFestival gearStandard road-race running kit, moisture-wicking layers, and broken-in shoes for the marathon course; official event merchandise has featured Ankole longhorn-themed designs. A light jacket suits Mbarara's cooler highland mornings, with sun protection for daytime heat.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Uganda and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Mbarara City Marathon?

Mbarara City Marathon is listed for Past edition: 28 March 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Mbarara City Marathon take place?

The festival is listed in Mbarara, Uganda. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Mbarara, Western Region, Uganda

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLmbararacity.go.ug
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually March
Source statusOfficial source linked
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