March 2017 - The Uganda Marathon

UGM Runners’ Community: February ’17 Wrap Up

Following a jam-packed January 2017 of UGM Community news, we weren’t sure if February’s post would quite compare – but we’re thrilled to say…this month it’s a real corker! The countdown to #UGM17 is now truly on – runners’ training is in full swing, we’ve had our first social training run, those last minute registrations […]

Links

Uganda Marathon - An Adventure Like No Other

5.0

Based on 17 reviews

See all reviews Write a review

The opportunity to have a real adventure and help others at the same time.

Karen L.

Such an incredible week, met some of the warmest most inspirational people. If you get the chance do it! !!! 🇺🇬 ☺ 🏃

Andrew H.

I've been telling everyone that this has been one of the best family experiences we have ever had. The opportunity to see beautiful Uganda and to engage with its beautiful people was an experience we will never forget; it has been fantastic and we are very glad that we decided to do this as a family with our 8-year old daughter Jackie. The organisation is spot-on and we felt safe and very welcomed everywhere we went. No doubt the Uganda Marathon experience has tremendously enriched Jackie's understanding of the world... and ours!

Roland Van A.

They're not kidding when they call it 'an adventure like no other'. The Uganda Marathon team put everything into making our time in Masaka meaningful, memorable, and masses of fun. Everyone I met - staff, other runners, the local people - were friendly, welcoming, and so enthusiastic about everything we were doing (whether it was building plastic recycling centres, or going for early-morning training runs in unseasonable downpours..).

I'd never run before I stumbled across the event somewhere on Facebook...and yet I somehow found myself doing 42km in rural Uganda. I'm so glad I did - I'm not sure anything else will quite live up to it.

Anna J.

An incredible week combining so many highlights. Seeing first-hand the impact of our fundraising on some inspiring people and projects; experiencing a beautiful country; dancing with and talking to local people; good food and accommodation; running through towns and villages and over hills; and building strong friendships. Come with others or come alone, you'll leave with new friends and amazing memories.

Tony E.

Hands down, one of the best experiences of my entire life so far! The combination of volunteering, running and fundraising for some local grass-roots projects is beyond perfect.

Please, if you'd like to make a positive difference in this world, whilst having the week of your life in one of the most beautiful countries, then look no further!

The locals will welcome you with open arms, the team will look after your every needs and the weather will be sure to put a smile on your face and a tan on your arms! The only downside is that the time goes too quickly.. I'm already thinking how can I get myself back here for next year :)

I hope to see you then!

Jean-louis B.

Truly one of the best weeks of my life! Amazing!

Tom C.

We were looking to do something that would bring together my love of running, Kev’s interest in volunteering abroad and our shared passion for exploring new corners of the world. It was even better than either of us expected.

Cindy G.

Definitely adventure like no other, and definitely one not to be missed. This has to be by far the best thing i have ever done

Dale W.

One of the most meaningful and memorable experiences of my life...can't wait to return!

June Korry B.

Great

Rubén L.

Had the most amazing week! A truly incredible experience like no other! Fantastic team well organised and run. About so much more than the race, although the marathon is brilliant.Would highly recommend for anyone wanting an adventure and to experience the beauty of Uganda!

Emily R.

The most incredible week ever. And it's definitely not just about the run. Took my family: mum (age 69!) and daughter (age 6) as 'spectators', and they both had the most amazing experience too.

Alison E.

A life changing experience that I enjoyed from the beginning till the end. If you want to gain a different perspective on life and start appreciating what you have more, definitely consider joining them. Never seen so many beautiful people with incredible hearts gathered together to be the change that they want to see in the world!

Alina Gabriela M.

The most amazing week spent in Uganda - memories made that will last a lifetime!! I’ll definitely be back!!��

Steve H.

An excellent team of people sharing passion, enthusiasm and talents to help the local community of Masaka. This was hands down the best experience I could have asked for. I've travelled for over ten years in my spare time and participated in various volunteering schemes, but this one was by far the best. It is clear they care about the people of Uganda and the visitors that spend the week in their company. I could not recommend this experience enough - it truly is an adventure like no other!

Kim W.

Do you want to have an adventure of a lifetime, and make a difference at the same time? Then you need to sign up for the Uganda Marathon. My wife and I could not have been more impressed with everything from registration to the actual run. We enjoyed it so much I am planning to return again this year with a group from Jacksonville Florida. Join us, and make lots of new friends while making a difference and enjoying a run that is hard, but breathtaking.

Bob B.

I signed up on an absolute whim, knowing no one else who would be going. I had no idea that I was also signing up to joining an incredible community of adventure seekers who are still some of my closest friends 2 years on! The week was full of activities - endless opportunities to volunteer and see directly see the impact of my fundraising on the projects I fundraised for. The fact that it was practically all inclusive - transport, food, accommodation, all activities - was incredible and relieved some of my anxieties. The race itself was unbelievable! Running alongside little children and other Ugandan athletes encouraging me kept me going through the heat and hills. A week that truly changed my life. Thank you team UGM ❤️

Julia F.

When I signed up for the Uganda Marathon in 2015, I was so excited about the prospect of combining a marathon and volunteering. There were nerves too though - I didn’t know anyone going, I’d never been to Africa and I’d only participated in one long distance event previously.

However, the staff were super helpful and supportive in my preparations, and I found when I met my fellow runners, they were really friendly too - I made some great friends during the week. The more-experienced runners there were also really encouraging and willing to share advice, which helped when I had race jitters!

The week itself is jampacked with different activities. I loved Athletes’ Village, the social elements and entertainment, the kids sports day and so much more. But if I had to pick my favorite days, it would have to be: 1) The project visit to ‘Youth with a Vision’, where I got to help Ugandan students write their own business plans - it was inspiring to work with them and actually see firsthand the difference I was making in their studies. 2) Race Day - a major reason I signed up for the event was I wanted a big challenge in 2015, and it didn’t disappoint! Also, the course is absolutely stunning, and I’ll never forget the part where the course takes you through Bugabira primary school (one of the projects) - it was amazing to have the pupils and teachers cheer me on, especially when I was tired!!

I also decided to take advantage of my time in Uganda by doing the extension tour with a safari and gorilla trekking. I never done anything like this before and I couldn’t recommend these remarkable experiences enough!!

Whilst training for the event I also volunteered to write a training blog diary for the organisation, and ended up staying as a volunteer to write content. Not only did I have an incredible week, make new friends and have new experiences, but I discovered I loved writing and running - which has had a big impact on my life since the event!

I’m so pleased, despite the nerves, I said 'yes' and took the plunge for this event! :)

Andy T.

I participated in this incredible event in 2015 and it really was a trip of a lifetime! The entire experience from sign up to race day was superbly organised and their customer service was second to none. I stayed in the Athletes’ Village which has to be the most beautiful campsite I’ve ever camped in! I met so many fantastic people, some with whom I became friends for life. We spent the week visiting the local projects which we had been fundraising for. It was inspiring to see how much positive impact the marathon is facilitating by supporting and empowering the community. I found myself truly connecting with the community and the people, which was so special. Race Day was a blur of excitement, hills, beautiful scenery and endorphins, unforgettable! After the event I was lucky enough to go on the Safari & Gorilla Trekking extensions which were awe-inspiring and left me speechless. I have been volunteering with the Uganda Marathon ever since and couldn’t recommend this adventure any higher!!!

Emily R.

‹

›

uganda_marathon

One amazing week. Challenge, Holiday, Festival. Adventure, Run, Volunteer, Make a Difference. Finish with Africa's best race, 30 May - 6 June '21 ✈️🌍😍