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.
Christine had wanted to travel to Africa for some time, so when her son returned with stories of the Uganda Marathon in 2015, she decided to take the plunge. Below we chat to her about her son’s involvement in the event since then, her expectations, the volunteer days, and embracing every moment of Race Day!
1. What made you sign up for the Uganda Marathon?
A trip to Africa has been on my list for a long time, so when my son Mark returned from the first Uganda Marathon in 2015, full of enthusiasm and praise for the event, I knew that it was something I would love to do.
Subsequently, after the first event, Mark also became part of the Uganda Marathon team as the UK Running Coach, and his stories and enthusiasm for the event and Uganda added to my desire to experience it for myself.
2. Was it what you expected?
The event was more inclusive than I expected. There were participants from all age groups which surprised me, but of course, there are people running well into their 80’s these days. Being put into clans on our first day was a great idea. I was in Njovu (elephant) clan and we were the best!
3. What was your experience of the volunteering days in the week? What memories stand out from this?
A few of us said that the work was more physical than we had envisaged, but having said that, I really enjoyed the building challenges. I am a very practical, DIY type person, so building the playground equipment at Llawannunda Childcare was a wonderful experience. The delight on the faces of the children when they came outside and saw what we had built for them, was worth every aching muscle. The fantastic news for me was that the sponsorship money raised by 2018 runners would build a well for the school. What a great result!
I found it hard to process all the emotions from the volunteering because the days were full on, and there were some very upsetting stories, as well as happy ones. It was good to have the social around the campfire in the evening so that you could chill and chat.
KidsRunWild was a fun day in which runners participated in whatever way suited them. There were those who were happy sitting and chatting to the children, which was great, or us ‘big kids’ who took more of the Wild side; Paul and I were exhausted teaching the Ugandan children the Hokey Cokey – there was great hilarity all round. Musical chairs was the most competitive fun I have witnessed in a long time – the ‘I must win’ animal certainly prevailed in some of the adults.
4. What was it like to run the half marathon event on Race Day?
Race Day for me was more about the experience of the day as a whole rather than the run. The ‘warm-up’ and running with all the local Ugandans was fantastic fun. There were so many children along the way to ‘high five’; beautiful views to photograph; time to chat to injured runners who were walking the race, but also seeing first hand the poverty in the outlying villages of Masaka. At the beginning of ‘The Beast’, a boy of about 8 years old took my hand and said, “Auntie I will help you.” When we reached the top, I thanked him and he asked for my water, which I gave him willingly. I had watched the small children fetching water from the dirty stream that runs at the base of ‘The Beast’, and carrying it in huge jerry cans great distances to their homes at the top. Water is so precious and expensive to buy.
5. Finally, how would you sum the week up for someone who hasn’t been, and would you recommend the adventure to others?
There were participants from teens to seventies; singles, couples, families; those who walked the 10k, ran the half marathon or smashed the marathon. Mark, my son, was the fastest International Runner in 2014 at 3:36:30, but that record has gone to Sean Mckenna (03:04:07). Well done to him!
You will make new wonderful friendships, laugh a lot, cry a little, but have a wonderful experience that will stay with you forever. Just Do It!
A big thank you to the Glass Passport and Global View Photography for sharing these awesome photos with us!
