Improved Roads, Bigger Stakes as Source of the Nile Marathon Returns
Over 200 Athletes Set for Source of the Nile Half Marathon Showdown in Jinja
By Kayiira Jackson
At least 200 athletes have registered for the 13th edition of the Source of the Nile Half Marathon scheduled for Sunday, 15th February 2026, in Jinja City.
Speaking during a press briefing held on Thursday at Uganda Athletics (UA) head offices in Kampala, officials confirmed that this year’s edition will not only offer lucrative prize money but will also serve as a key selection platform for upcoming international competitions.
Uganda Athletics revealed that the top five finishers in both the men’s and women’s categories will walk away with prize money ranging from Shs2 million to Shs600,000. The winner will pocket Shs2 million, the first runner-up Shs1.5 million, second place Shs1 million, fourth place Shs800,000, and fifth place Shs600,000.
“If you look at our calendar very well, we use this event to select our team. We have the World Road Running Championships in Denmark in September, so we use this as our data bank. We take this event with the seriousness it deserves so that we can give opportunity to these young runners to discover themselves,” Abdallah Muhammed Communication head UA.
UA noted that the half marathon plays a vital role in preparing athletes physically and mentally ahead of major international events such as the London Marathon, the World Championships in Denmark, and the Commonwealth Games slated for August.
Abdallah Muhammed, the Head of Communications at UA, emphasized that the annual race has consistently helped the federation identify and nurture long-distance talent.
“This half marathon has helped us discover more talent in long-distance running, and we expect to identify even more this year,” he said.
Namayo Mawerere, a member of the organizing committee, assured participants of a smooth event, noting improvements in road conditions along the route.
“Previously, the roads were not in good condition, but now they are better. We expect faster times this year,” Mawerere stated.
The race will start and finish at First Gym in Jinja.
In last year’s women’s category, Chebet Saibi claimed victory in 1:12:25, followed by Chelangat Annet and Cheptoyek Ruth, who clocked 1:13:19 and 1:15:38 respectively.
In the men’s race, 20-year-old Kiptoo from Arua won in 1:01:56, ahead of Kibet Oscar (1:02:16) and Kibet Mande Isaac (1:02:36).
With improved infrastructure, attractive prize money, and international selection slots at stake, this year’s edition promises a thrilling contest at the Source of the Nile.