Ugandan Runners Will Compete in 2026 Absa Marathon Zambia
Four athletes are set to race in the September 26 event following their top finishes at the Absa 7 Hills Run.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Running
Four Ugandan runners will travel to Zambia to participate in the 2026 Absa Marathon, taking place on September 26, 2026. The group earned their spots after securing top-two finishes in the 25-kilometre races at the Absa 7 Hills Run in Kampala.
Why it matters
Absa Bank Uganda is sponsoring the travel and logistical costs for these athletes to help promote regional sports talent. The marathon is a World Athletics-certified event that draws international participants across multiple race distances.
The athletes qualified through top-two placements in the 25-kilometre category at the Absa 7 Hills Run. The upcoming event in Zambia includes competitive options at 42, 21, and 10-kilometre distances.
The players
Peter Akwech
He is one of the four Ugandan runners who qualified for the international marathon.
Joseph Kinyeni Munyua
He is an athlete who earned his spot in the Zambian race after a top performance in Kampala.
Sylvia Chelangat
She is a top-performing runner representing Uganda at the upcoming Absa-sponsored event.
Hajara Lubega
She is a member of the four-person delegation traveling to Zambia for the competition.
Absa Bank Uganda
This financial institution provides the sponsorship funding necessary to support Ugandan athletes.
The details
Peter Akwech, Joseph Kinyeni Munyua, Sylvia Chelangat, and Hajara Lubega will represent Uganda at the marathon. Their participation is fully funded by Absa Bank Uganda, which covered all travel and accommodation expenses.
Timeline
The Absa Marathon Zambia is scheduled for September 26, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This race adheres to the standards set by World Athletics road race certification, which standardizes event quality across international borders. The Absa Marathon Zambia maintains its professional status by following the guidelines established by World Athletics road race certification.
The involvement of these four runners marks the culmination of the qualification process established at the Absa 7 Hills Run. The marathon's certified status ensures that all results count toward official world rankings for participants.
The takeaway
These athletes demonstrate the impact of corporate-sponsored development programs on individual competitive success. For aspiring runners, the clear path from local qualifying races to international events highlights the importance of consistent performance at specific distances.
Further reading
For more information on upcoming international events, visit the Running section.
