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.
George joined us for his first ever trip to Africa, as he enjoys the idea of combining travel with running. The organiser of the event Love Trails Festival in the UK, we chat to him about what it was like to be on the ‘other side’ of an event as a participant, his experience at the project ‘Women’s Soroptimists’, the race, and his favourite moment from the week!
1. What made you sign up for the Uganda Marathon?
I’ve always wanted to visit Africa as I had never been before. I usually like to combine travel with my running and the Uganda Marathon seemed like the perfect combination.
Having spoken to many of the runners who attended from previous years, it convinced me of what a great adventure it would be.
2. Could you tell us about your visit to the Charity Project ‘Women’s Soroptimists’? What did you get up to on the day?
It was certainly an eye-opener visiting the Women’s Soroptimists. It was a very humbling, inspiring and sorrow experience all at the same time.
I was shocked to hear first-hand of some of the experiences the women had faced, their day to day life in prison and yet how much respect they had for the main prison guard they called “Mummy”.
The prisons, law systems and women’s rights in Uganda are completely different from the ones in the UK. I hadn’t realised just how different until our project day.
However, overall I left the whole project day completely inspired and with a huge respect for the Women Soroptimists group of Masaka. These women work tirelessly using their skills and knowledge to help support those less fortunate than themselves.
The day started with visiting the Women’s Soroptimists and making tampons which would later be given to some of the women in Prison. It was amazing to see how these are made using some of the local natural resources but also the length of time and manual hard work which goes into making each one.
I had no idea how much of an impact it has having access to tampons – girls can even miss school and education if they are on their period which was shocking to learn.
Following the morning we then visited the women’s prison and got to witness first-hand the impact the Women Soroptomists make, and also learn more on just how different current women’s rights are in Uganda.
3. You organise the Love Trails Festival in the UK each year. What was it like to be on the ‘other side’ of organising an event? How did you find the 7-Day Adventure from a participant’s perspective, having organised running events yourself?
It was a blessing to be on the “other side” for a change, having organised large-scale running events myself, I know that nothing ever goes 100% to plan and the stress levels behind the scenes.
I have organised events before in the UK, however, I cannot even imagine how hard this would be to organise a 7-day event in a different country and continent.
The Uganda Marathon was superbly organised and that’s a credit to all of the Uganda Marathon team who made it all seamless from a participant perspective.
There was never a moment to be bored, each day was very different from the previous and we had enough time to get to know everyone and also do some exploring.
4. You ran the full-marathon in Uganda – could you tell us about the experience? What was it like to run a race in Africa?
My first race on African soil and certainly it won’t be my last.
No marathons are ever easy and the Uganda Marathon certainly isn’t easy, however what an amazing experience which will live long in my memory.
It’s such a beautiful route for the race which goes through local villages, lots of hills and some amazing scenery.
It’s the local villagers who really make this an unforgettable run – everyone you meet is smiling, waving, calling you ‘Mzungu’ or wanting to run alongside you.
I felt bad for the 5 or 6-year-old kid who ran with me at least 8km on a very humid day! However, we shared some water, snacks, some high 5’s and some laughs.
I reckon that kid will eventually be a professional endurance athlete one day!
Overall it certainly was a race like no other I had experienced, absolutely perfect for my first time running on African soil.
5. Finally, what was your favourite memory from the week?
Wow – so many great memories from the week that’s it’s hard to pick a favourite.
I would say I have some standout memories of having a beer round by the campfire and getting to know all the other Uganda Marathon participants and staff.
The other stand out memory would be going on a run with the local Masaka running club, on a stunning route bombing some hills and with such an incredible sunset that I had to stop for a while to take in the beauty.
A big thank you to the Glass Passport and Global View Photography for sharing these awesome photos with us!
