Asha Noppeney

Asha Noppeney (born 1954) is a Ugandan and German athlete and disability advocate. She is known for her participation in long-distance running events, including marathons and charity runs, despite losing her right leg in a childhood accident.

Early and personal life Noppeney was born in 1954 in Uganda. At the age of seven, she lost her right leg in a bicycle accident. She has a husband, Herbert Noppeney. As of 2024, she lives in Eckersdorf, Bayreuth, Germany.

Career and advocacy Noppeney began doing marathons at 40 years old. In 2014, she became a member of Achilles International, a nonprofit that supports athletes with physical disabilities in long-distance running. Through this support, she has competed in the New York City Marathon four times.

On 4 December 2024, she was awarded the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (Bundesverdienstkreuz) in recognition of her advocacy for disabled athletes and her charitable work, particularly through marathon participation and fundraising.