Boston rolls out the red carpet for world marathon champion Victor Kiplangat

April 20, 2025 in Foreign News by Editor

In a spirited celebration that fused athletic achievement, cultural pride, and international friendship, the South End storefront of Heartbreak Hill Running Company was transformed Saturday into a vibrant hub of Ugandan excellence as the, “Uganda to Boston: Win a Trip to the Pearl of Africa for the Rwenzori Marathon,” honoured reigning World Marathon Champion Victor Kiplangat ahead of his Boston Marathon debut.

More than 200 guests, including local runners, Ugandan cultural leaders, officials from the Ugandan Embassy in Washington, D.C., and Boston community members, gathered for a lively afternoon of music, traditional food, storytelling, and global exchange—just 48 hours before Kiplangat was due to take on one of the most prestigious races in the world.

From Kapchorwa to Boston

The festivities began with a performance by the Pearl Dancers, followed by East African culinary delights from Sentie’s Kitchen. But the emotional highlight came during a fireside chat with Kiplangat and Patrick Cheptoek, a U.S.-based elite coach and fellow Kapchorwa native—the mountainous Ugandan town known as the cradle of the country’s distance-running success.

“Back in 2023, when I crossed the finish line in Budapest, my heart was aching,” Kiplangat reflected on his World Championship victory. “It felt like a dream—I wasn’t known then. But in that moment, I made Uganda proud.”

Cheptoek, who moved to Kentucky in 2008 as a student-athlete and now mentors young runners, offered words of wisdom. “You don’t have to win to be great. You just have to love the sport, do your best, and stay devoted,” he told the packed crowd.

Building Bridges Through Running

Organized by Running Launch Ventures in partnership with the Ugandan Embassy, the Uganda Boston Community Association (UBCA), Heartbreak Hill Running Co., and the Rwenzori Marathon team, the event also served as a unique act of sports diplomacy—connecting two running powerhouses across continents.

Adding excitement to the day was a raffle that sent two lucky attendees home with all-expenses-paid trips to Uganda, including round-trip airfare, lodging, entry into the 2025 Rwenzori Marathon, and a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. More winners will be announced digitally following Marathon Monday.

“This was about more than sport,” said Ryan Lee, the event’s lead organizer. “It was about celebrating legacy, sharing stories across continents, and reminding Boston that greatness can come from the most unexpected mountain villages.”

A Platform for Devotion and Legacy

The celebration was part of Heartbreak Hill’s Most Devoted series, a Nike-sponsored platform that elevates stories of purpose, perseverance, and impact in running. Among the voices amplifying that mission were media advocate Ronnie Mayanja of the Ugandan Diaspora Network and UBCA leader Afande Momo, alongside other cultural champions from Boston’s diverse community.

As Kiplangat readies himself for Monday’s grueling 26.2 miles, the Ugandan flag will fly high on Heartbreak Hill, where the Newton-based store will host a cheer zone in his honor—rallying behind a world champion whose journey has inspired two continents.