Ugandan Spirit Shines in Boston Ahead of Kiplangat’s Marathon Debut
The Heartbreak Hill Running Company’s South End storefront turned into a vibrant hub of cultural celebration and athletic pride on Saturday, as over 200 guests gathered to honor Uganda’s global running legacy and the Boston Marathon debut of World Champion Victor Kiplangat.
Titled “Uganda to Boston. Win a Trip to the Pearl of Africa for the Rwenzori Marathon,” the event brought together local runners, Ugandan dignitaries, cultural leaders, and Boston residents for an immersive afternoon of storytelling, music, and community. Hosted just two days before Kiplangat takes on the historic Boston course, the celebration highlighted Uganda’s status as a powerhouse of high altitude running talent.
The program opened with a high energy performance by the Pearl Dancers and East African culinary delights from Sentie’s Kitchen. Inside the store, a standing room only crowd tuned in for a heartfelt fireside chat with Kiplangat and U.S based elite coach Patrick Cheptoek, both hailing from Kapchorwa, a mountainous region of Uganda that has produced Olympic medalists such as Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo.
“Crossing the finish line in Budapest in 2023, my heart was aching it felt like a dream,” Kiplangat reflected on his World Championship victory. “I wasn’t known then, but in that moment, I made Uganda proud.”
Cheptoek, who arrived in the U.S. in 2008 as a student-athlete and now mentors rising runners, shared his philosophy: “You don’t have to win to be great. You just have to love the sport, do your best, and stay devoted.”
The event, spearheaded by Running Launch Ventures in partnership with the Ugandan Embassy in Washington, the Uganda Boston Community Association (UBCA), Heartbreak Hill Running Co, and the Rwenzori Marathon team, served as a symbol of sports diplomacy strengthening bonds between Boston and Uganda through the shared language of running.
A key highlight was an immersive raffle experience where two lucky attendees won an all expenses paid trip to Uganda, including travel, lodging, a slot in the 2025 Rwenzori Marathon, and a once in a lifetime gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. More winners will be selected in a follow up digital drawing after Marathon Monday.
Saturday’s gathering was also part of Heartbreak Hill’s “Most Devoted” series a Nike sponsored initiative that amplifies inspiring stories of perseverance and purpose within the global running community.
Local advocates like Ronnie Mayanja of the Ugandan Diaspora Network and UBCA leader Afande Momo helped elevate the day’s message, alongside Boston cultural champions who see running as a tool for unity and empowerment.
“This was about more than just sport,” said Ryan Lee, lead organizer of the event. “It was about legacy, identity, and sharing stories that stretch across continents. It’s a reminder that greatness often begins in the most unexpected mountain villages.”
As Victor Kiplangat readies for his Boston Marathon debut on Monday, the Ugandan flag will wave proudly at Heartbreak Hill’s Newton store the designated cheer zone rallying behind Uganda’s reigning world champion
