Here we interview runners who have participated in the Uganda Marathon, so they can share their stories and experiences from the 7-Day Adventure. After all, it’s their involvement which makes the week so special, from the impact they have on the Charity Projects, to the community feel they give to Race Day.
Sonia joined us all the way from Australia and took advantage of our option to do split fundraising between a Ugandan Charity Project and another charity of her choice – Tackle Africa. Below she chats to us about the causes she chose, her interest in sustainable development, Legacy Day, buying Ugandan art and taking on the 42K – despite not being the biggest fan of running!
1. What made you sign up for the Uganda Marathon and was it what you expected?
I first heard about the Uganda Marathon through a Facebook post by Tackle Africa in 2017, calling for people to run on their behalf. Due to personal circumstances, I couldn’t commit at that time, however, I made a conscious decision that I would participate in 2018 no matter what. Let’s just say I’m pretty headstrong when I put my mind to something.
What attracted me to this event was that it wasn’t just a marathon – I don’t enjoy running so that wasn’t the highlight – the whole package was the attraction, with the opportunity to be involved in the local communities, get my hands dirty (literally) and spend some time in a beautiful place, far away from city life.
I expected to meet lots of keen runners, who were there for the run, however, what I actually encountered was people from all over the world, who had come together for the common interest of international community development, and pretty much just a great local experience.
2. You fundraised for Tackle Africa and Women’s Soroptimists. Could you tell us why you decided to fundraise for these causes?
I first came across Tackle Africa during my time working with Street League and volunteered for a project taking place in Zambia for a few weeks. The experience is something I never forgot and something I always wanted to do again. I fundraised for Tackle Africa because they were the ones that let me know about the opportunity, and the work they do in HIV education, empowering coaches and teaching kids the health message from a young age is pretty special.
In choosing from the Uganda Marathon projects, Women’s Soroptimists seemed like a great organisation in the way women supported other women in the community. For me, there is much more benefit in using skill and experience to help others help themselves, which is exactly what this organisation achieves with women coming out of prison and those dropping out of school. This ensures long-term sustainability.
3. Could you tell us about your experience at Women’s Soroptimists on Legacy Day? For example, what was it like to meet the community there, and what did you get up to?
We had already met Saadia, the Founder of the Women’s Soroptimists at the previous garden building day [the day before]. In meeting the rest of the staff, what was obvious was this was just like a group of friends, rallying together for the greater good of women in Masaka. Spending the morning at the Soroptimist house, it was amazing that one lady had opened up her home to welcome strangers in, and had developed a business from having compassion for others. We learnt how to strip banana leaves to make fibres for sanitary pads – let me tell you, 10 minutes in the blazing heat stripping one leaf, I had water dripping down my back, and was exhausted. I have no idea how they do it day in day out.
The afternoon meeting at the prison was an eye opener – the common theme was some of these women had been found guilty until proven innocent. They were essentially stuck in a rut, without money to pay for legal advice to get themselves out. It was great to engage with the ‘inmates’ and discover that they were just human beings like everyone else.
4. Could you tell us about the piece of art you brought in the evening held at the project, Creative Canvas Uganda?
I love art and in every new country I visit, I purchase a piece of art to take home, so this night was perfect. Within a short time of viewing the artwork, I had reduced the wish list down to just 3 pieces, and eventually settled on a beautiful and original elephant silhouette, painted on newspaper, with bright gold pieces running through it. If I won the lottery, I would definitely go back for more!
5. Finally, what was your experience of Race Day and running the 42K in Uganda?
As I’ve already mentioned, I don’t really like running, and I finished a marathon, so anyone can do it. The first lap was definitely the most enjoyable, and it didn’t feel like a race at all. The atmosphere, the views, the kids high fiving all the way round the course, communities cheering and pointing at the ‘muzungo’s’ – it was like going for a Saturday stroll round the park (or the red sand desert in the outback). Reaching the end of the first lap, I won’t lie, I did consider finishing at just a half. But the effort that went into fundraising pushed me through to start the second lap…and I don’t do failure well…so it was onwards and upwards – take 2 – lap 2 that is.
What I found really funny was the Masaka community obviously wasn’t prepared to see crazy white people not only running 21 km but attempting 42km. The saving grace was the sun stayed away, until we hit heartbreak hill for the second time that is. Oh, that was fun… But then what was even better was the less steep but longer hill that just kept on going!
The aim was to finish and that I did, which was awesome. I would also highly recommend Masaka dance moves as a cool down, getting over pain by self-inflicting more pain definitely worked great. Luckily Qantas were considerate in making sure the plane back to Australia wasn’t too full – 32 hours flying with sore muscles…not fun. But so worth it.
A big thank you to Sonia, the Glass Passport and Global View Photography for sharing these great photos with us!
