March 2017 - The Uganda Marathon

UGM Runners’ Community: February ’17 Wrap Up

by Andy Teale | Mar 17, 2017 | Need Inspiration?, The Charity Projects, The Team, The Uganda Marathon Race, Training, Travelling, Uganda!

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 are coming through, and we’ve even been shortlisted for an award for ‘Best International Event’! Plus, we’ve got two exciting stories from Uganda & the Charity Projects. One told from two volunteers currently supporting the projects, and the second, from our Charity Impact Lead, Kate. Here’s what’s been happening in the UGM Community in February… More Sign Ups! And our runners get down to training! Since January, the sign-ups have just kept on coming! Traditionally our biggest month for people deciding to take the plunge is January, but we’re thrilled to have seen them steadily keep coming through in February as well. The UGM17 really is shaping up to be a massive event with a very special bunch of people, and we couldn’t be more excited! We’re also loving the fact that this year’s runners are being so social on social media, sharing their training updates on the Facebook group, Twitter, Instagram and Strava. The team spirit is really coming through and we’re not even in Uganda yet! Keep up the great work guys and feel free to send us more photos & updates – we’re thrilled to see training in full swing and absolutely loving the great vibe! Peckham parkrun social run Talking of training, a big shoutout to everyone who made...

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5.0

Uganda Marathon - An Adventure Like No Other

Roland Van Amstel

2019-06-23T23:52:33+0000

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!

Stacy Dolan

2019-06-20T20:30:40+0000

What a truly amazing week, such a positive atmosphere with all the best kinds of people from all different walks of life. This week is an absolute must for anybody who wants more than to simply just exist. The Uganda Marathon-An Adventure Like No Other, really does provide fuel for the soul. you feel instantly connected to the place and the people because of how friendly and welcoming everybody is. I can't recommend this experience enough!

Anna Lewcock

2019-06-20T19:31:42+0000

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.

Tony Elliott

2019-06-05T14:58:29+0000

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.

Jean-louis Button

2019-06-04T21:48:38+0000

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!

Tom Carr

2019-03-16T23:40:34+0000

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

Cindy Godwin

2019-03-16T13:31:18+0000

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.

Dale Weaver

2018-08-05T14:50:09+0000

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

June Korry Bood

2018-07-20T10:11:00+0000

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

Rubén López

2018-07-11T15:55:50+0000

Great

Emily RD

2018-06-27T16:04:52+0000

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!

Alison Eastman

2018-06-16T21:26:30+0000

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.

Alina Gabriela Manta

2018-06-11T15:43:04+0000

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!

Steve Hill

2018-06-08T15:45:22+0000

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

Kim White

2018-06-04T15:41:43+0000

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!

Bob Baldwin

2018-01-05T18:42:34+0000

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.

Julia Fernando

2018-01-04T00:44:10+0000

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 ❤️

Katie Sloane

2018-01-03T05:27:45+0000

THE most incredible event, truly an experience like no other!

Andy Teale

2017-12-20T17:33:29+0000

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! :)

Emily Rounds

2017-12-12T17:08:50+0000

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!!!