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.
John & Suzanne joined us for their first-ever trip to Uganda, having supported children’s education in the country for a number of years. They chose our split-fundraising option, between Action Aid and Masaka based, ‘The Suubi Centre’, which they visited in Uganda. Below they tell us about their 7-Day Adventure and remaining in Uganda following the event, to go Gorilla trekking and more!
1. What made you both sign up for the Uganda Marathon?
We have supported the work of Action Aid for over 30 years, including sponsoring children’s education in Uganda over this period. We never had the opportunity to visit the country, so when Action Aid sent us information on the Uganda Marathon, it seemed like a wonderful opportunity to get involved in some great causes and take on a physical challenge. As a result, we signed up to do the half marathon.
2. Was it what you expected?
The Uganda Marathon organisation provide lots of great insight so we went to Uganda well informed, particularly as we have been to a number of other African countries. However, nothing can prepare you the fact that the average age of Ugandans is 15 and the emotions that are stimulated by seeing children, and adults, living in grinding poverty. Yet despite such tough lives, we were overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and positive attitude of everyone we met. Ugandan’s don’t want handouts, but they really appreciate a hand up.
3. Could you tell us about the causes you chose to fundraise for and why?
We split our fundraising between Action Aid and the Suubi Centre (a Ugandan Marathon supported social enterprise). We chose Action Aid given our longstanding interest in their work, and the Suubi Centre as it seemed to be an exemplary organisation which provides holistic education and health services for a remote local community.
4. Could you tell us about your experience at the ‘Suubi Centre’ on Legacy Day?
The visit to the Suubi Centre surpassed all our expectations. The way David and the local team have built the facilities with prior Uganda Marathon support is awesome. There is: a school that teaches the national curriculum and also farming and practical skills – they make the desks the children sit at and the uniforms they wear; a health centre with a doctor and nurses; and neat ideas to contribute funding to the whole enterprise like an ever-expanding goat herd. While we were at the Suubi Centre, with some of the students, we painted the workshop. That was great fun and eye-opening – the passion the children have for education and creating a better future for themselves, and their community was inspiring. We also saw an opportunity to provide some further support to the Suubi Centre by getting them some second-hand computers from the UK – that is work-in-progress.
5. Could you tell us about Race Day? What was it like to run the 21K through rural Uganda?
To be honest, race day was not what we hoped for! We both got severe upset stomachs 12 hours before the race. Nonetheless, we both finished bolstered by the amazing support of the locals, and the rehydration fluids provided by the Marathon medical team. The race is at the end of a week where you have been to a bunch of amazing projects, met some fantastic people (local people and international volunteers) and realised that small inputs can enable the local projects to change the lives and prospects for so many people. As such, the race was secondary to all the other experiences.
6. What’s each of your favourite memories from the Adventure?
Suzanne: Mine was being taught a traditional dance by two boys at the Creative Canvas project in Ndegeya
John: There were so many great memories from the trip. However, meeting the Smile Centre orphans was a deeply emotional experience for me. The children’s welcome songs, their hope and the commitment of the lady who cares for those 31 former street kids was inspiring. That memory stays with me.
7. You stayed on in Uganda after the 7-Day Adventure – what did you do?
We went onto visit Harbert, the current child we are supporting through Action Aid in the Nebbi region of Uganda – that was a unique experience. Also, the scenery and wildlife in Uganda is incredible. We went to Murchison Falls National Park and did a number of wonderful game drives. We then went to see Gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The power and gentleness of a 210kg Silverback is an amazing juxtaposition!
Thank you to John and Suzanne, The Glass Passport Project & Global View Photography for sharing their photos with us, above!
