BUSHENYI — Uganda Police runner Abel Chebet emerged victorious in the half-marathon at the 2026 Olympic Day TOOKE Run, leading a strong field of athletes during celebrations that brought together sports leaders, athletes, farmers and members of the community in Bushenyi District.
Chebet claimed first place in the men’s half-marathon and walked away with a cash prize of UGX 15 million after an impressive performance that showcased endurance and determination.
Fellow Uganda Police athlete Martin Kiprotich finished second to earn UGX 9 million, while Alex Kiplangat of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) secured third place and received UGX 7 million.
The race formed the centrepiece of Uganda’s Olympic Day celebrations, organised by the Uganda Olympic Committee/Commonwealth Games Uganda (UOC/CGU) under the global Olympic Day theme of promoting active lifestyles, health, learning and community engagement through sport.
Officials congratulated the winners and all participants for their commitment and competitive spirit.
The event attracted hundreds of runners and spectators and served as a platform to promote the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect while raising awareness about nutrition, health and physical fitness.
As the event concluded, organisers emphasised that Olympic Day is about more than athletic competition. “We celebrate more than the distance covered. We celebrate the power of movement, the value of learning and the importance of nutrition in building healthier and stronger communities,” the Uganda Olympic Committee said in a statement.
The committee encouraged Ugandans to continue embracing healthy lifestyles beyond the event. “Every step we take, every healthy choice we make and every lesson we embrace contributes to a better future. Through sport, nutrition and active living, we empower ourselves to reach our full potential,” the statement added.
Beyond the road race, participants were treated to interactive sports exhibition booths featuring indoor rowing, gymnastics, archery, badminton and modern pentathlon.
The exhibitions allowed members of the public to learn about different sporting disciplines, interact with athletes and experience Olympic sports firsthand.
Organisers said the initiative was designed to expose young people and communities to a wider range of sporting opportunities while promoting participation at all levels.
Members of the Uganda Olympic Committee and the Commonwealth Games Uganda Executive Committee also took part in the run ahead of the official International Olympic Day commemorations scheduled for June 23.
Sports administrators noted that the Olympic Day TOOKE Run continues to demonstrate the power of sport to unite communities, inspire positive social change and encourage healthier lifestyles.
The event also highlighted the growing partnership between sport and public health campaigns, with organisers placing particular emphasis on nutrition, wellness and active living.
As runners crossed the finish line and celebrations came to an end, the message from Bushenyi remained clear: sport is not only about competition but also about building stronger communities, promoting healthy living and inspiring people to achieve their full potential.
The Olympic Day TOOKE Run concluded with a rallying call to Ugandans to keep moving, keep learning and keep embracing healthy choices under the theme: “Move, Learn and Discover for Nutrition-Care.”