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Everything you need to know to plan your Uganda Marathon 2027 experience,  plus the chance to add an unforgettable Gorilla Trek or Safari adventure!

Essential Event Information
Adventure Overview
  • Event Week: Sunday 30 May – Sunday 6 June 2027
  • Race Day: Saturday 5 June 2027
  • Location: Masaka, Uganda, about 23 km south of the Equator
  • Race Distances: 5K, 10K, Half Marathon (21K), and Full Marathon (42K).
  • Options: You can Run, Walk, or spectate OR Volunteer, all abilities are welcome. There is no cut-off time, and the course remains open until 5:00 PM.
  • Who Can Join: Runners of all abilities, including first-time runners and walkers

  • Do I have to fundraize to take part?
    No. Fundraising is optional and there is no compulsory minimum target. To make an even greater impact, you can choose to fundraise for one of the Uganda Marathon community charities.

  • Extension Trips: Choose from Gorilla Trekking or Safari, with Pre-Marathon Trips from 25–29 May 2027 and Post-Marathon Trips from 6–10 June 2027.

International Package Includes: Race entry, airport transfers to and from the event, 7 nights’ accommodation in a cozy hotel, 3 meals a day, Race t-shirt, Race number, Medal, Feed/water stations, medical support and organized activities, Campfire evenings, entertainment, music, drumming & dance, Exclusive discounts on safari, gorilla trekking, volunteering opportunities.

Your entry fee also subsidizes fifteen Ugandan junior runners to participate, you run alongside those you’ve helped

How to register: Complete the online registration and payment using this link to secure your place.

Support: For registration and payment inquiries, email us at :[email protected]

 

  • Airport: Fly into Entebbe International Airport (EBB).
  • Flights: International flights are not included; participants arrange and pay for their own flights.
  • Airport Transfers: Airport pickup for your transfer to Masaka is on 30 May 2027, 8:00 AM–12:00 PM, with return transfer on 6 June 2027, arriving at Entebbe Airport after 3:00 PM. Transfers outside these times are paid for separately.
  • Visa Application: Apply online through Uganda’s official Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control. 
  • Need Help? If you need assistance with booking your flight or your visa application, please contact us at:

    [email protected]

  • Select Gorilla Trekking or Safari when registering for Uganda Marathon 2027 and enjoy exclusive Uganda Marathon discounts on selected extension trips. Our team will contact you with trip details, availability and payment instructions. Early booking is strongly recommended for Gorilla Trekking because permits are limited.

  • Uganda Marathon is more than a race. It is a chance to run, explore, meet local communities, experience Ugandan culture and discover some of Africa’s most unforgettable wildlife and scenery.
  • Health: Medical support is provided during marathon week and on Race Day for illnesses, injuries and emergencies. Yellow Fever vaccination is required at airport entry.
  • Mosquito Protection: Mosquito nets are provided; bring insect repellent.
  • Travel Insurance: Participants provide their own insurance cover, it’s not a requirement
  • Medical Support: Available during marathon week and on Race Day.
  • Safety & Security: The event works with local authorities and security teams to support participant safety.
  • First-Time Visitors: Organised transfers, accommodation, meals and activities make the experience suitable for first-time visitors to Uganda and Africa.
  • Travelling Solo: Many participants come alone, and the programme makes it easy to meet other Ugandan and international runners.

  • Medical services are provided in partnership with the Uganda Ministry of Health and the Uganda Red Cross, including:

    • First aid stations at the start, finish, and along the course
    • Two ambulances on standby
    • Trained first-aid responders positioned along the route
    • Pre- and post-race warm-up and cool-down areas
    • Light post-race massages at the finish area
    • Emergency coordination with nearby health centres

    If you need assistance during the race, look out for Uganda Red Cross teams or race marshals.

  • Accommodation: Seven nights in designated Uganda Marathon accommodation in Masaka, with bedding and towels provided.
  • Meals & Water: Fresh Ugandan meals, vegetarian-friendly options and safe drinking water are provided. Inform the team about any dietary needs.
  • Weather: Expect warm conditions, strong sunshine and possible rain, with temperatures sometimes above 30°C / 86°F.
  • Packing: Bring travel documents, medication, running gear, electrolytes, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a rain jacket and reusable water bottle.
  • Running Gear: Keep your main running shoes and one running outfit in your hand luggage.
  • Clothing: Wear light, breathable and respectful clothing, and avoid camouflage.
  • Money: Uganda uses the Ugandan Shilling (UGX). ATMs are available at Entebbe Airport and Masaka; bring some extra spending money for personal expenses and optional activities.
  • Phones & Internet: Unlocked phones can use a Ugandan SIM or supported eSIM. Wi-Fi is available, but mobile data may be more reliable.
  • Electricity: Uganda uses Type G British-style plugs and 220–240V
  • Fitness & Training: Train well for your chosen distance. Expect heat and hills, altitude and varied terrain, beautiful countryside and communities and focus on enjoying the experience rather than a personal best.
  • Race Support: Water, Soda and fruits are provided along the course. Bring and practise with your own electrolytes, gels or race nutrition; hydration packs are welcome.
  • Family: The event is family-friendly, and families should contact the team for suitable accommodation and participation options
  • If You Cannot Finish: Marshals, medical teams and support vehicles are available to assist.
  • Who Can Join: Uganda Marathon welcomes all abilities, solo travellers, families, partners, runners, walkers, volunteers and supporters.
  • Social Experience: Shared meals, community activities and evening gatherings make it easy to meet other participants.
  • Is Uganda Marathon just about running?
    The week combines running with community visits, cultural experiences, entertainment and opportunities to understand the projects connected to the marathon.
  • What makes Uganda Marathon different from another destination race?
    Uganda Marathon is a seven-day experience combining running, people, community, culture and the opportunity to discover Uganda beyond Race Day.

Uganda welcomes a large and growing number of international visitors every year. In 2024 alone, approximately 1.37 million international visitors travelled to Uganda. The UK, USA, Europe and Canada are consistently among Uganda’s leading long-haul tourism markets. For 10 consecutive years, the Uganda Marathon has maintained a strong safety record, with no significant security incidents affecting participants or Marathon Week.

Participant safety is a priority throughout Marathon Week. We work closely with local authorities, the police, community leaders and our accommodation partners to ensure appropriate security arrangements are in place. Our designated accommodation has security arrangements throughout participants’ stay, while police and event personnel support Race Day and other major Marathon Week activities.

As with travel anywhere in the world, we encourage visitors to take normal travel precautions and check the latest advice issued by their government or embassy before travelling. Our team is also available before and during your trip to provide local guidance and support.

You’ll be part of an internationally recognised running adventure.
Uganda Marathon has built a reputation far beyond Race Day. It won “Best International Event” at the UK Running Awards 2016, was named “Best Marathon in Africa” by RAD Magazine, featured in Red Bull UK’s “Best Marathons 2018: The 9 Races You Shouldn’t Miss,” and was nominated in the “Best for Poverty Reduction” category at the World Responsible Tourism Awards. Participants come from around the world, span all ages and abilities, and share one unforgettable week of running, community, adventure and friendship. It is little wonder that 1 in 5 participants have described the experience as “The Best Week of My Life.”

You’ll discover the Pearl of Africa.
Uganda is one of Africa’s most exciting travel destinations, with extraordinary wildlife, dramatic landscapes and unforgettable experiences. It is home to mountain gorillas, tree-climbing lions, rhinos, elephants and much more, as well as the source of the Nile. Your marathon trip can become a much bigger adventure with Gorilla Trekking, African Safaris, White Water Rafting and other experiences before or after Race Day.

You’ll travel with purpose, not just as a tourist.
Uganda Marathon has a year-round presence in Masaka and works alongside local communities on grassroots development projects. Your participation helps support long-term, locally connected initiatives and contributes to sustainable development beyond the event itself.

You decide how you want to make an impact.
Fundraising is optional, with no compulsory minimum target. If you choose to fundraise, you can decide how much to raise and which project or projects you would like to support. Uganda Marathon is proud that 100% of funds raised by runners go directly to grassroots projects.

You’ll meet the people and projects behind the cause.
During Adventure Week, you won’t simply hear about community projects, you’ll have the opportunity to visit them, meet the people involved and see the impact first-hand. It creates a much more meaningful connection between your journey, your fundraising and the community you are supporting.

You’ll experience the energy of running with thousands of local participants.
Race Day is a celebration for Masaka. With thousands of local runners taking part, you can expect an atmosphere full of energy, encouragement, music, community spirit and togetherness. Even the hills feel different when you are surrounded by people cheering, running and celebrating with you.

Your visit supports the local economy.
Simply by travelling, staying, eating, exploring and participating, international runners bring significant economic value into Masaka and the surrounding area. Your adventure supports local hotels, restaurants, transport providers, guides, suppliers and many other businesses.

You’ll stay at the heart of the experience.
The Athletes’ Village is designed to bring participants together. You’ll stay alongside fellow runners and travellers, enjoy evening entertainment and campfires, share stories from the day, relax between activities and experience the social side of Uganda Marathon as part of one welcoming international community.

You’ll leave with much more than a medal.
Uganda Marathon is not simply a destination race. It is a week of running, wildlife, culture, community, friendship, challenge and adventure. You come to Uganda for the marathon, but you leave with memories, connections and stories that can stay with you for a lifetime.