Preparations for the 2026 Olympic Day Tooke Run have gathered significant momentum after more than 700 participation kits were sold during the official launch, signaling growing public interest in the nationwide fitness and nutrition campaign.
The event, scheduled for June 20 in Bushenyi District, is being organized through a partnership involving the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development (PIBID), the Banana Industrial Research and Development Centre (BIRDC), and the Uganda Olympic Committee.
Organizers say the overwhelming response during the launch reflects increasing enthusiasm around initiatives that combine sport, wellness, and nutrition awareness.
Held under the theme “Move, Learn and Discover for Nutrition Care,” the Tooke Run is designed not only to promote physical activity but also to champion better nutrition and healthier lifestyles across communities.
Participants will compete in the 5km, 10km, and 21km categories, with organizers expecting athletes, recreational runners, corporate teams, and community groups from across Uganda to take part.
Part of the proceeds from the event will reportedly support the preparation and welfare of Ugandan athletes ahead of upcoming international competitions, including the Youth Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games.
The launch campaign has also attracted support from sports leaders, local authorities, and cultural and religious stakeholders, particularly during recent promotional engagements held in Njeru.
Officials involved in the campaign emphasized the role of nutrition in sports performance and national health, arguing that the initiative creates a bridge between athletic excellence and community wellbeing.
The Tooke Run further seeks to promote Uganda’s banana industry by positioning “tooke” as both a nutritional and economic asset tied to health, sports, and local production.
With kit sales continuing to rise and nationwide mobilization underway, organizers remain optimistic that the 2026 edition could become one of Uganda’s largest community sporting events centered on health awareness.
The official run kits are currently retailing at Shs35,000, with organizers encouraging more Ugandans to register before the race day
