This past spring, Heartbreak hosted a special event during Boston Marathon week alongside the Ugandan delegation. After the event three lucky athletes walked away with entries to the Rwenzori Marathon in Uganda.
Fast forward a few months, and Ryan, Sean, and Tyler found themselves on the start line in Kasese, Uganda representing Boston, Heartbreak, and the global running community.
From Boston Streets to Ugandan Trails
After landing in Uganda, the crew traveled west across the country, where their first stop was the forested slopes of the Rwenzori Mountains. They trekked to see gorillas up close, coming within arm’s reach of a silverback and his family, an experience that set the tone for a week of awe and discovery.
Safari Shakeout
The next stop: Queen Elizabeth National Park. Between spotting lions, elephants, leopards and water buffalo, the group laced up for a shakeout run inside the park. It was a surreal reminder that running really can take you anywhere.
Race Day
Finally, it was time to race. Tyler lined up for the 10K, Sean for the Half, and Ryan for the Marathon. Each finished their distance to cheers from the local Ugandan crowds, who welcomed the runners with the same energy we see on Boylston Street every April.
Heartbreak runners (Ryan, Sean, and Tyler) with the Rwenzori Marathon Race Founder, Amos Wekesa
A Global Connection
The trip was made possible thanks to the Uganda Embassy in Washington, DC and the Uganda Tourism Board, who partnered with Heartbreak to open this door for our community. Their generosity and vision turned a Boston Marathon week celebration into an international exchange of sport and culture.
Congratulations Ryan, Sean, and Tyler!