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David GOMBE
Kampala turned red on Sunday as Over 8000 runners, families, fitness enthusiasts, corporates and organised running clubs descended on the city for the 2026 Absa KH3–7 Hills Run, transforming the capital into a celebration of endurance, community and purpose in what became the largest edition of the Run yet.
From first-time runners chasing personal milestones to seasoned athletes battling for top honors, participants tackled the 5km, 10km and signature 25km routes, taking on the demanding climbs and descents of Kampala’s iconic seven hills, a course increasingly recognised as one of Uganda’s most distinctive urban endurance challenges.
Flagged off by Sylvia Mulinge, CEO of MTN Uganda alongside David Wandera, Managing Director of Absa Uganda and Alice Gita Okecho, Hash Master of the Kampala Hash House Harriers, the annual Run continued to cement its place as a leading fitness and purpose-driven sporting event.
Now in its fourth year, the Run has grown from 6,000 participants in 2025 to over 8000 this year, attracting the largest number of sponsors and partners to date and reinforcing Uganda’s growing enthusiasm for organised running and wellness.
This year’s edition carried on the powerful mission of helping more girls stay in school and pursue their dreams by supporting initiatives that address the barriers that often force girls out of education.
For many participants, Sunday’s race meant more than crossing the finish line. Every kilometer represented a contribution towards helping more girls stay in school and pursue brighter futures.
“What we witnessed today goes beyond a run. It is a powerful demonstration of what becomes possible when communities, corporates, families and sports enthusiasts come together behind a shared cause. We are deeply grateful to everyone who showed up and especially the running clubs and individuals who intentionally trained and prepared for this challenge. The enthusiasm around this year’s Run reflects a growing culture of wellness in Uganda, but more importantly, a shared commitment to helping more girls stay in school and pursue their dreams,” said David Wandera, Managing Director of Absa Bank Uganda.
The 25km Seven Hills Challenge signature once again proved a true test of endurance, with runners navigating steep climbs along the scenic yet unforgiving terrain of Kampala’s hills on a route that blends breathtaking city views with a demanding running experience.
Adding to the thrill of the challenge, runners earned a commemorative wristband for every hill conquered, transforming each ascent into a milestone moment and one of the event’s most prized badges of achievement, a feature many participants proudly captured and shared as part of the Seven Hills experience.
Peter Akwech crossed the finish line in 1:21:40 to emerge top male finisher, while Sylvia Chelangat clocked in at 1:46:55 to secure victory in the women’s category.
Setting the Absa KH3–7 Hills Run apart from others, this year’s edition once again offered winners a rare opportunity to take their passion beyond borders through participation in the 2026 Absa Black Star Marathon in Accra.
The top two male and top two female finishers who successfully completed the Seven Hills Challenge earned coveted slots to compete in Ghana, a distinctive reward that has increasingly become one of the most sought-after prizes among Uganda’s running community.
Helen Basuuta Nangonzi, Marketing Director at Absa Bank Uganda, said the Accra marathon opportunity reflects the bank’s ambition to make the Run more meaningful and aspirational for participants. “One of the things that makes the Absa KH3–7 Hills Run unique is that we are not only rewarding performance with prizes, but also with experiences. Running today has evolved into a way to experience new places, cultures and communities. Through the opportunity to participate in the Absa Black Star Marathon in Ghana, we are giving Ugandan runners a chance to represent Uganda and experience another part of Africa thanks to their passion for running.”
Alongside the Accra marathon opportunity, the overall winner of the 25km challenge earned a UGX 10 million cash prize, while the top male and female finishers each walked away with land titles courtesy of Bakayima, making the 2026 edition the most rewarding yet.
“The seven hills course is never easy. It pushes you physically and mentally, but the atmosphere today was incredible, and of course we are running to support the great cause of keeping girls in education so that they can achieve their dreams” said Peter Akwech
“Winning means a lot, especially knowing we are running for something bigger like helping girls stay in school. The opportunity to also compete in Ghana makes it even more special because it gives me a chance to experience another country through sport,” said Sylvia Chelangat.
Beyond competition, the Run reflects Uganda’s fast-growing running culture, attracting everyone from seasoned athletes and organised clubs to first-time runners, corporate teams and families seeking healthier lifestyles.
Alice Gita Okecho of the Kampala Hash House Harriers said the event had become an important catalyst for organised running in Uganda. “We have seen remarkable growth in this event over the years not only in participation, but in how seriously Ugandans are embracing running and wellness. More clubs are training consistently, more families are participating, and we are grateful to Absa for investing in a platform that continues to grow Uganda’s running culture while supporting a meaningful cause.”
Children also turned out in growing numbers for dedicated child-friendly activities, providing a family-oriented fitness experience that promotes wellness and active living from an early age.
The day culminated in a vibrant celebration featuring performances from Azawi, Winnie Nwagi, King Saha, and Dax Vibez, bringing together sport, entertainment and philanthropy in a uniquely Ugandan celebration of community impact.
This year’s edition was made possible through support from a growing ecosystem of over 22 sponsors and partners, making the 2026 edition the biggest and most rewarding yet.
