Just days after nearly 20,000 runners conquered the punishing 85.77km from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, Uganda’s Comrades Marathon story is no longer just about finish times. It is about growth.
From just 12 finishers in 2023, Uganda more than doubled that number in 2024, rose to 39 finishers in 2025, and had 58 Uganda-linked runners complete the 2026 edition of the iconic ultramarathon in South Africa.
At the front of that expanding charge was debutant Cosmas Olemukan, who clocked six hours, 36 minutes and 36 seconds to finish as the fastest among the Ugandan contingent.
Challenging oneself
‘I have been running for the rest of my life,’ Olemukan said. ‘It was all about challenging myself, checking how far I can go. Not the best that I wanted, but next time better. But I’m happy with the results, being the first one.’
His journey to South Africa was also a story of community.
Olemukan’s trip was made possible by Uganda’s running fraternity, which mobilised support to get him to the start line.
‘I want to take this honour to thank God, the team that led the drive and everyone that supported me physically, financially and psychologically,’ he said.
‘I am humbled. I believe we are capable of more. For God and my country.’
Those who know Olemukan’s story will hardly be surprised by his endurance.
Away from competition, Olemukan works as a sports masseur with Body Garage and is famed in Uganda’s running circles for an unusual post-race routine: finishing well ahead of the pack and then spending hours massaging athletes who arrive long after him.
Memorable tales
His performance led a strong Ugandan showing that also had Bonita Mulelengi finish as the fastest woman in 9:07:42.
The race also produced one of the most memorable Ugandan stories of the day.
Young Arnold Katende finished inside 10 hours, clocking 9:59:42, after making the start line with his father Robert.
The elder Katende was forced to retire at 77km due to severe discomfort, but their shared journey to the start line offered another powerful glimpse into the family and community spirit behind Uganda’s expanding Comrades presence.
Of the 58 finishers, 54 were men and four were women, with Team Matooke, Fast and Furious Runners Club, Gutsy Bunch Running Club and Sure and Steady Hikers among the clubs strongly represented.
What was once a niche pursuit is steadily becoming one of Uganda’s fastest-growing recreational sporting movements.
And if the climb from 12 finishers in 2023 to 58 in 2026 is any indication, Uganda’s Comrades journey may only be getting started.
Uganda at Comrades Marathon 2026
Total Finishers: 58
Male Finishers: 54
Female Finishers: 4
Fastest Ugandan: Cosmas Olemukan – 06:36:36
Fastest Ugandan Woman: Bonita Mulelengi – 09:07:42
Top Ugandan Men
Cosmas Olemukan – 06:36:36
John Ssembogo – 07:13:09
Gadafi Ssali – 07:36:52
Emmanuel Nsubuga – 07:50:45
Christopher Musenze – 08:07:22
Amos Rwot Omio Opio – 08:17:12
Joseph Mukama – 08:26:22
Alex Matovu – 08:30:21
Samuel Mosebi – 08:44:18
Don Akatukunda – 08:44:40
Women
Bonita Mulelengi – 09:07:42
Hilda Kakuru Nkoola – 10:01:36
Shamim Perry Saidia – 11:40:15
Janet Nakkazi – 11:51:18