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.
A journalist from London, Scott joined us for the event as he loves running, travelling and supporting good causes. He chats to us about this, his expectations from the week, visiting a Ugandan school, Gorilla trekking and more!
1. What made you sign up for the Uganda Marathon and was it what you expected?
A friend of mine at Sky News, where I work, mentioned it to me. I love running but I love travelling and visiting new countries even more so this was perfect. For some time I’d wanted to see more of Africa and I enjoy supporting good causes. I really didn’t know what to expect but it certainly was a wonderful week and I thoroughly enjoyed it and learned a lot.
2. Could you tell us about the project you visited on Legacy Day and your experience there?
I visited the school supported by House of Love and Hope Uganda. It was a really uplifting and inspiring day. The kids were brilliant, so inquisitive and fun. It was genuinely fascinating to be able to sit in on some lessons and see what education really looks like in real life in Uganda. We built a garden in the grounds to grow crops to supplement the diets of the children to help them concentrate and learn better during the long school day. We chatted to the teachers and had lunch there to see what the kids ate and then played sports in the afternoon.
3. What was it like to participate in our 21K event through rural Ugandan on Race Day?
I’d badly injured my knee just before going so sadly couldn’t do the longer distance and just hobbled round the 21k – but it was great! Amazing to see some more of the local area, some pretty special scenery and the great atmosphere of all the runners and supporters. I’ve done lots of half marathons etc but this was unique – like nothing I’d done before. I just enjoyed the experience and the day.
4. After the 7-Day Adventure, you took part in the Gorilla trekking extension. Could you tell us about the experience?
The gorilla trekking was very special – we stayed in a beautiful lakeside lodge – very down to earth but in its own way very luxurious for a couple of nights. Loved staying there – with some really nice people, great accommodation and food. I had no idea what to expect from the trekking but it exceeded all I’d hoped for – incredibly close to the gorillas and stunning to be trekking through an African rainforest – it felt like an extraordinary privilege.
5. Finally, what was your favourite memory of the 7-Day Adventure?
Visiting the school was definitely the highlight – it felt like that was exactly the sort of thing I’d come to do. Though just the chance to spend a week in Uganda, learning just a little about the place and spending some time somewhere so beautiful and different was wonderful. I’d go back again and I’d recommend it to anyone.
A big thank you to Scott for sharing these awesome photos with us!
