Greater than 8,000 runners, households, health fanatics, corporates and organised working golf equipment flooded the streets of Kampala on Sunday for the 2026 Absa KH3–7 Hills Run, turning town pink within the greatest version of the annual occasion but.
Contributors took on the 5km, 10km and signature 25km Seven Hills Problem routes, navigating the demanding climbs and descents throughout Kampala’s iconic hills in an occasion that continues to develop into one in every of Uganda’s premier city endurance races.
The Run was flagged off by Sylvia Mulinge alongside David Wandera and Alice Gita Okecho.
Now in its fourth yr, the Run expanded from 6,000 contributors in 2025 to over 8,000 this yr, attracting its largest variety of sponsors and companions whereas reinforcing Uganda’s rising tradition of wellness and organised working.
Talking after the occasion, David Wandera praised the overwhelming turnout and the collective effort behind the initiative.
“What we witnessed at this time goes past a run. It’s a highly effective demonstration of what turns into attainable when communities, corporates, households and sports activities fanatics come collectively behind a shared trigger,” mentioned Wandera.
David Wandera – Absa Financial institution Uganda Managing Director
“We’re deeply grateful to everybody who confirmed up and particularly the working golf equipment and people who deliberately educated and ready for this problem. The keenness round this yr’s Run displays a rising tradition of wellness in Uganda, however extra importantly, a shared dedication to serving to extra women keep at school and pursue their desires.”
Past competitors, the occasion maintained its central mission of supporting initiatives that assist women stay at school and pursue their desires.
The 25km Seven Hills Problem once more proved the spotlight of the day as runners battled steep climbs alongside Kampala’s scenic however unforgiving terrain. Contributors collected commemorative wristbands for each hill conquered, turning every ascent right into a milestone second and probably the most celebrated options of the occasion.
Within the elite race, Peter Akwech crossed the end line in 1:21:40 to emerge the highest male finisher, whereas Sylvia Chelangat received the ladies’s class after clocking 1:46:55.
This yr’s version additionally provided winners an opportunity to compete internationally on the 2026 Absa Black Star Marathon in Accra, with the highest two female and male finishers incomes coveted slots to signify Uganda in Ghana.
Helen Basuuta Nangonzi mentioned the initiative was aimed toward making the Run extra significant and aspirational for contributors.
“One of many issues that makes the Absa KH3–7 Hills Run distinctive is that we’re not solely rewarding efficiency with prizes, but additionally with experiences,” she mentioned.
“Operating at this time has advanced right into a technique to expertise new locations, cultures and communities. Via the chance to take part within the Absa Black Star Marathon in Ghana, we’re giving Ugandan runners an opportunity to signify Uganda and expertise one other a part of Africa because of their ardour for working.”
Alongside the Accra marathon alternative, the general winner of the 25km problem obtained a UGX 10 million money prize, whereas the highest female and male finishers additionally walked away with land titles courtesy of Bakayima.
“The seven hills course is rarely simple. It pushes you bodily and mentally, however the ambiance at this time was unimaginable, and naturally we’re working to help the nice reason behind preserving women in schooling in order that they will obtain their desires,” mentioned Peter Akwech.
Sylvia Chelangat added: “Profitable means quite a bit, particularly figuring out we’re working for one thing greater like serving to women keep at school. The chance to additionally compete in Ghana makes it much more particular as a result of it provides me an opportunity to expertise one other nation via sport.”
In response to Alice Gita Okecho, the occasion has turn into an essential catalyst for organised working in Uganda.
“We’ve got seen exceptional progress on this occasion over time not solely in participation, however in how severely Ugandans are embracing working and wellness,” she mentioned.
“Extra golf equipment are coaching persistently, extra households are collaborating, and we’re grateful to Absa for investing in a platform that continues to develop Uganda’s working tradition whereas supporting a significant trigger.”
The family-friendly occasion additionally featured actions for youngsters and concluded with performances from Azawi, Winnie Nwagi, King Saha and Dax Vibez, mixing sport, leisure and philanthropy right into a vibrant celebration of group influence.