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More than 8,000 runners, families, fitness enthusiasts, corporates and organised running clubs flooded the streets of Kampala on Sunday for the 2026 Absa KH3–7 Hills Run, turning the city red in the biggest edition of the annual event yet.
Participants took on the 5km, 10km and signature 25km Seven Hills Challenge routes, navigating the demanding climbs and descents across Kampala’s iconic hills in an event that continues to grow into one of Uganda’s premier urban endurance races.
The Run was flagged off by Sylvia Mulinge alongside David Wandera and Alice Gita Okecho.
Now in its fourth year, the Run expanded from 6,000 participants in 2025 to over 8,000 this year, attracting its largest number of sponsors and partners while reinforcing Uganda’s growing culture of wellness and organised running.
Speaking after the event, David Wandera praised the overwhelming turnout and the collective effort behind the initiative.
“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,” said Wandera.
David Wandera – Absa Bank Uganda Managing Director
“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.”
Beyond competition, the event maintained its central mission of supporting initiatives that help girls remain in school and pursue their dreams.
The 25km Seven Hills Challenge again proved the highlight of the day as runners battled steep climbs along Kampala’s scenic but unforgiving terrain. Participants collected commemorative wristbands for every hill conquered, turning each ascent into a milestone moment and one of the most celebrated features of the event.
In the elite race, Peter Akwech crossed the finish line in 1:21:40 to emerge the top male finisher, while Sylvia Chelangat won the women’s category after clocking 1:46:55.
This year’s edition also offered winners a chance to compete internationally at the 2026 Absa Black Star Marathon in Accra, with the top two male and female finishers earning coveted slots to represent Uganda in Ghana.
Helen Basuuta Nangonzi said the initiative was aimed at making 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,” she said.
“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 received a UGX 10 million cash prize, while the top male and female finishers also walked away with land titles courtesy of Bakayima.
“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.
Sylvia Chelangat added: “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.”
According to Alice Gita Okecho, the event has 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,” she said.
“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.”
The family-friendly event also featured activities for children and concluded with performances from Azawi, Winnie Nwagi, King Saha and Dax Vibez, blending sport, entertainment and philanthropy into a vibrant celebration of community impact.
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