Cosmas Olemukan Leads Uganda's Soaring Presence at Comrades Marathon

Uganda’s participation in the world-renowned Comrades Marathon has seen a remarkable surge, with 58 runners completing the grueling 85.77km race from Durban to Pietermaritzburg in 2026. This represents a substantial increase from previous years, highlighting a burgeoning recreational running movement within the nation.

Leading the charge for Uganda was debutant Cosmas Olemukan, who crossed the finish line in an impressive six hours, 36 minutes, and 36 seconds. Olemukan, a sports masseur by profession known for assisting fellow runners post-race, expressed his satisfaction with his performance, albeit with an eye on future improvements. “I am humbled. I believe we are capable of more,” stated Olemukan, acknowledging the collective effort that enabled his participation.

Bonita Mulelengi emerged as the fastest Ugandan woman, completing the ultramarathon in 9:07:42. The race also featured heartwarming stories, including young Arnold Katende, who finished just inside the 10-hour mark, running alongside his father Robert, who unfortunately had to withdraw near the finish line.

Several Ugandan clubs demonstrated strong representation, with Team Matooke, Fast and Furious Runners Club, Gutsy Bunch Running Club, and Sure & Steady Hikers all seeing multiple members complete the challenging event. The growing number of finishers, escalating from just 12 in 2023 to 58 in 2026, underscores the increasing popularity and accessibility of long-distance running in Uganda.

This expanding presence at the prestigious Comrades Marathon suggests that Uganda’s journey in this demanding sport is only just beginning. The source for this article is the Daily Monitor (Uganda).