Dear Friends, I am deeply honored to welcome you to the Joshua Cheptegei Development Foundation (JOCDEF). My journey in athletics
Elgon Half Marathon 2024: Running for a Cause with Joshua Cheptegei
The Elgon Half Marathon 2024, held on November 2nd in Mbale City, brought together thousands of participants to champion climate action, biodiversity conservation, and the fight against gender-based violence (GBV). This impactful event was organized by the Joshua Cheptegei Development Foundation (JOCDEF) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
A Marathon with a Mission
More than just a race, the Elgon Half Marathon showcased the power of sports in driving social change. Athletes, corporate sponsors, and government officials joined forces to raise awareness and advocate for sustainable solutions that benefit both people and the environment.
Race Categories & Scenic Views
The event featured three race categories:
🏃 21km Half Marathon
🏃 10km Race
🏃 5km Fun Run
Runners experienced breathtaking landscapes as they raced through the foothills of Mount Elgon National Park, a key tourist attraction and ecological treasure in Eastern Uganda.
Joshua Cheptegei Leading the Way
World-renowned athlete Joshua Cheptegei, an Olympic gold medalist and world record-holder, played a leading role in inspiring runners and reinforcing the marathon’s core message: sports can be a catalyst for positive change.
Notable Guests & Winners
The marathon attracted high-profile attendees, including Uganda’s Minister of Tourism, Tom Butime, and corporate partners such as the Uganda Tourism Board and Infinix. Winners across different categories received cash prizes and electronic gadgets in recognition of their outstanding performances.
Impact Beyond the Finish Line
The Elgon Half Marathon is more than a sporting event—it is a platform for awareness, advocacy, and regional development. By combining sports, tourism, and social responsibility, this marathon continues to position Mount Elgon and Uganda as a hub for eco-tourism and community-driven progress.
Our Partners in the Elgon Half Marathon 2024
The Elgon Half Marathon 2024, held on November 2, 2024, was made possible through the collaboration of various organizations committed to sports, tourism, climate action, and community development. These partners played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the event, which focused on sustainable tourism, inclusive growth, and the fight against gender-based violence (GBV).
Government & Institutional Partners
- Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA)
- Uganda Tourism Board (UTB)
- Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)
- National Forestry Authority (NFA)
- National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA)
- Uganda Athletics Federation
- United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
- Spotlight Initiative
- European Union
Media Partners
Corporate Sponsors & Supporters
- Uganda Airlines
- Hima Cement
- TotalEnergies
- Infinix
- Nirvana
- Crown Beverages
- Nile Breweries
- Total Breweries
- Amref Africa Heart
- MTN Uganda
These partnerships helped make the Elgon Half Marathon a celebration of sports tourism, environmental conservation, and community impact.
Join the Movement
Be part of this remarkable journey next year! Whether as a runner, supporter, or sponsor, your contribution will help create a stronger, more sustainable East Africa, Africa and the whole world at large.