Happy New Year everyone! Hard to believe we’re almost into a week of 2016. But with a new year, comes new, exciting opportunities.
And one of them is the Uganda Marathon. If you like the idea of travel, fundraising, volunteering, making new friends, helping people to reach their potential, and making a little bit of history- then this could be for you.
Maybe you’re still seeking that New Year’s resolution or would just like to try something new?
Whatever you’re thinking or your background, here’s 12 reasons to consider making the Uganda Marathon apart of your year!
1. It’s ‘a week like no other’
The six day adventure is a week jam-packed with different activities. If I had to sum it up briefly: it’s a week long festival of volunteering, new experiences, getting to know a new culture and making new friends. Topped off at the end with a physical challenge and a big party.
Highlights from last year included: volunteering at two projects, organising a sports day for local children, exploring the local area, witnessing the county’s beautiful landscapes, the phenomenal race day itself, and numerous social gatherings to get to know your fellow runners- from dinner out in Masaka town to drink around the camp fire.
2. It’s for runners of all abilities
You don’t need to be an experienced runner for this challenge. Half of our runners last year had never run a marathon before, and decided to make this their first one! When you’re doing something as amazing as running a race in Uganda, determination and reaching the finish line is way more important than what times you’re getting.
And even better- even if you haven’t run in ages- there’s still plenty of time to train for the event in June.
3. Fundraise and volunteer to make a real difference
We work in partnership with the projects we support, to ensure that every penny fundraised is invested wisely, to make a long-term, sustainable difference to improve Ugandan people’s lives. It’s not only about making a difference today, but for generations to come. You’re fundraising will be helping to create legacy in Uganda.
And when you volunteer at the projects, you’ll actually have the opportunity to meet the people you’re running the race for, and help them using your skills.
Plus this year we are aiming to be the biggest public fundraising event in Uganda. Ever. So this is you’re chance to be a part of history!
4. Flexible fundraising
We want you to enjoy your fundraising experience, so there’s no pressure to raise a certain amount- you set the target! All we ask is, once you’ve decided what you would like your target to be, you do your best to smash it!
You also have the choice of which Uganda project you fundraise for. Or if you prefer, there’s an option of up to a 50:50 split between a Ugandan project and charity of you choice (with the highest percentage going to UGM project).
5. Course Options
Don’t fancy running the full marathon (26.2 miles)? There’s also a half marathon (13.1 miles) and 10K option too.
6. It’s the race of a lifetime
Regardless of which race you choose to participate in, we promise you it will be one to remember! You’ll run alongside 200 other international runners and 3000 local runners, whilst witnessing some extraordinary views. You’ll have an amazing crowd cheering for you, African style! Expect some incredible cheering to push you on, and some of the local children to join you for a bit too!
And once again, it another chance to be involved in a little bit of history. It will only be the second ever international marathon in Uganda.
7. You’ll receive a medal
To remember your massive achievement, you’ll receive a unique medal for crossing the finish line! Last year’s medals were crafted by the children at the Masaka Vocational Rehabilitation Centre (MVRC), one of the UGM’s projects. A nice touch.
8. Accommodation Options
We have three accommodation options, so there’s something to suit all preferences. For those who would like to stay in the Athlete’s Village, we have BYOT or Glamping (our most popular option, going fast). But it you’d prefer some home comforts during marathon week, we also have a hotel option.
9. We’ll Help!
We’ll support you with your training and fundraising. We’ve got lots of advice and information on both, as well as events lined up to help you on your way. Our experienced team is also here to answer your questions. So whether it’s an idea to boost your fundraising, or a training plan, we here to help.
10. You’ll be joining a larger community
By getting involved in the Uganda Marathon, you’ll be joining a larger community. You’ll make plenty of new friends during marathon week, but there’s also plenty more to get involved with. Last year saw training runs, park runs, fundraising events (eg. pub quizes), fun runs for various causes and social events and reunions- to catch up with fellow runners over a beer or two. And there’s even more planned for 2016!
11. It changed people’s lives
For some runners, it was a chance to gain new experiences, travel, help people and get away for a week or two. For others, the adventure literally changed their lives. Some of our runner’s were so inspired by the trip, they have now moved out to Ugandan to set up their own projects or work for Ugandan based charities. For others, the week helped them gain some perspective and inspiration, and they’ve now changed careers or launched their own initiatives at home.
So whether you just want to broaden your horizons or are looking for a big change, this could be the adventure to make it happen!
12. Great Feedback
We’ve received great feedback from our runners for the 2015 event. See our gallery to see what some of our runners thought of the week.
So there you have it, 12 reasons to run the Uganda Marathon in 2016. Why not make 2016 the year where you have an epic adventure, get fitter, meet new people and help a community. And see what you’re capable of.
