Four of Uganda’s top runners from the Absa KH3-7 Hills Run are set to test themselves against regional and international competition after securing a chance to compete in the Absa Marathon Zambia in Lusaka.
Peter Akwech, Isaac Masaai, Sylvia Chelangat and Abate Tadelech will represent Uganda at the World Athletics-certified road race on September 26, 2026, after finishing first and second in the men’s and women’s 25km categories at this year’s Absa KH3-7 Hills Run in Kampala.
The runners have been sponsored by Absa Bank Uganda to travel to Zambia, with the package covering flights, accommodation and other logistical requirements.
The opportunity gives the four athletes a chance to compete on an international stage while showcasing Uganda’s growing pool of long-distance runners.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Billy Bisanga, Head of Client and Digital Marketing at Absa Bank Uganda, said the initiative was intended to turn performance at the Kampala race into opportunities beyond Uganda.
“Peter, Isaac, Sylvia and Abate earned this opportunity through their exceptional performances on one of Kampala’s most challenging running courses. By supporting their participation in the Absa Marathon Zambia, we are not only recognising excellence but also providing exposure to international competition,” Bisanga said.
“We want the Absa KH3-7 Hills Run to continue creating opportunities for runners while advancing the social purpose for which it was established.”
The Absa Marathon Zambia, which takes place in Lusaka, features 5km, 10km, 21km and 42km categories and has attracted runners from across Africa. The World Athletics certification places the race on the international road-running calendar.
The athletes’ trip is being supported by Kenya Airways, the official airline partner facilitating their travel to Zambia.
Felix Mwangangi, Kenya Airways Country Manager Uganda, said the airline was proud to support initiatives that combine sport, wellness and community impact.
“At Kenya Airways, we are proud to support platforms that promote excellence, wellness and community impact across Africa and the world. We are delighted to facilitate the travel of these outstanding Ugandan athletes as they represent Uganda in Zambia,” Mwangangi said.
Alice Gita Okecho, Hash Master of the Kampala Hash House Harriers, who spoke on behalf of the running community, congratulated the athletes and urged them to use the opportunity to gain experience and represent Uganda well.
The trip also extends the social-impact work associated with the two Absa-backed races.
In Uganda, proceeds from the KH3-7 Hills Run go towards the Keep a Girl in School initiative, which seeks to address barriers that keep girls out of school, including menstrual health challenges and limited access to water, sanitation and hygiene facilities.
The Absa Marathon Zambia will, in turn, support initiatives aimed at improving access to assistive technology for persons with disabilities.
The two races therefore seek to use athletics not only as a platform for competition, but also to support interventions targeting communities across the region.
