By Boston, MA — April 14, 2025 — Boston’s South End will come alive this Saturday with the rhythms, resilience, and remarkable stories of Uganda. As the city gears up for the iconic Boston Marathon, Heartbreak Hill Running Company and the Rwenzori Marathon are teaming up to host a first-of-its-kind cultural celebration and raffle event — with a grand prize of an all-expenses-paid trip for two to Uganda, including entry into the 2025 Rwenzori Marathon and a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking adventure.
But this isn’t just about travel — it’s about tribute.
For the first time ever, Uganda’s own Victor Kiplangat — the reigning World Marathon Champion and 2022 Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist — will make his long-awaited debut at the Boston Marathon. At just 24 years old, Victor has already cemented his place among the world’s elite distance runners.
Victor hails from Kapchorwa, a mountainous, high-altitude region in Eastern Uganda renowned as the “Home of Champions.” This tight-knit village community has produced some of the greatest long-distance runners in East Africa, including Olympic gold medalist Stephen Kiprotich, world record holder Joshua Cheptegei, and reigning half-marathon world record holder and Olympic medalist Jacob Kiplimo. Victor’s journey to Boston started along Kapchorwa’s red clay trails, where he trains at altitudes of over 2,500 meters above sea level—building the strength and stamina that have made him a global contender.
His presence in Boston holds deep symbolic meaning. Massachusetts is home to one of the largest Ugandan diaspora communities in the United States, with Boston serving as a hub for cultural exchange, education, and East African heritage. From student groups at local universities to vibrant diaspora organizations, the Ugandan community in Boston continues to foster strong connections between the U.S. and Uganda.
Victor’s debut is more than a race—it’s a cultural moment. It marks a powerful opportunity to celebrate Uganda’s rising global athletic profile and to unite Bostonians and Ugandans in pride and purpose. The event surrounding his arrival will uplift not only his personal story, but also the wider narrative of Uganda as a nation of endurance, culture, and world-class talent.
The event, “Uganda to Boston,” will take place on Saturday, April 19, from 3:00–5:00 PM at Heartbreak Hill Running Company’s flagship store (652 Tremont St). Guests will enjoy:
- A meet & greet and fireside chat with Victor Kiplangat
- Live Ugandan drumming and dance
- Free Ugandan snacks and coffee
- A raffle draw to win a free trip to Uganda (winner must be present)
- Celebration of the Boston Ugandan community — one of the largest in the United States
The celebration also serves as a warm invitation to explore Uganda as a destination for adventure tourism, running, and cultural exploration. The Rwenzori Marathon, taking place August 23, 2025, is the only marathon in the world that crosses the equator — and it’s quickly becoming one of the most breathtaking races on the planet.
RSVP for the event and raffle here: https://lu.ma/8ykfk7bq
Boston is no stranger to global runners — but this Saturday, it’s about more than medals. It’s about community, culture, and celebrating a new chapter of Uganda’s story on one of the world’s biggest running stages.
The event is presented by Rwenzori Marathon and Heartbreak Hill Running Company, with support from the Ugandan Embassy in Washington, D.C., and Boston’s Ugandan diaspora. It builds on past partnerships between Uganda and U.S.-based tourism leaders — and aims to spotlight the Pearl of Africa as a premier destination for adventure travel and elite running.
Media welcome. Interview opportunities available with Victor Kiplangat, event organizers, and community leaders.
About Heartbreak Hill Running Company:
A Nike-affiliated running community and retailer with deep Boston roots, Heartbreak Hill is a cultural hub for runners of all levels. Their store has hosted events with running legends like Eliud Kipchoge and is a cornerstone of Boston’s Marathon Week celebrations.
About the Rwenzori Marathon:
The Rwenzori Marathon in Uganda is the only marathon on Earth that crosses the Equator.=
Held annually in Kasese, Uganda, since 2022, the race offers stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains and Queen Elizabeth National Park (where lions climb trees!).
It combines world-class running with a powerful mission: promoting healthy living, supporting local athletes, and raising awareness about the climate changes that effect the glaciers that crown the Rwenzori Mountains.
Certified by World Athletics, the marathon attracts elite runners, fun seekers, and adventure tourists alike.
