Race Guide

RACES GUIDE

Event Name: World Gorilla Marathon
Date: 21 September 2025 
Event Location: Kampala, Uganda
Start/Finish Point: Kololo Independence Grounds,

Official Website: www.gorillamarathon.org

  1. Entry into the Marathon

1. Who Can Enter:
   The World Gorilla Marathon is open to runners of all backgrounds, nationalities, and levels-Professional athletes, amateur runners, conservationists, adventurers, Philanthropists and virtual participants from around the globe.

 Categories:

• 42KM Gorilla Marathon
• 21KM Half Marathon
• 10KM City Breeze Run
• 5KM Family Fun Run
• Virtual Marathon (Global Participation)

 Minimum Age Requirement:

• Participants must be 18 years or older on race day to enter the full or half marathon. Runners under 18 years will only enter any race category with parental or guardian consent.

 How to Register:

• Visit www.gorillamarathon.org/register
• Complete the online registration form
• Select your race category and optional add-ons (e.g. gorilla trekking and accommodation that are booked through our partners. Visit Tour Operator and Accommodation pages)
• Agree to terms and conditions before submitting your registration

 Registration duration:

• Registration Starts on: 20 July 2025 and Closes on 20 September 2025

 2.  Race Expo and Cultural Events

Location: Kololo Independence Grounds,
Date: One day before marathon
Features:

• Bib pickup & runner briefing
• Local artisan stalls
• Cultural performances
• Gorilla conservation exhibitions
• Meet athletes, rangers & conservationists

  3. Entry Fees & Payment

1. Local (Ugandan and East Africans) Participants:

• 5KM: UGX 50,000
• 10KM: UGX 50,000
• 21KM Half Marathon: UGX 50,000
• 42 Full Marathon: UGX 50,000

 International Participants:

• 5KM: USD 50
• 10KM: USD 50
• Half Marathon: USD 50
• Full Marathon: USD 50
• Virtual Marathon: USD 50

 What’s Included:

• Official race bib, timing chip, and finisher medal
• Finisher medal for physical participants & e-certificate for virtual participants
• Race-day hydration & medical support
• Entry into post-race conservation briefing
• Conservation awareness materials
• Contributions to gorilla conservation programs

 Payment Methods:

• Mobile Money (Ugandans only MTN and Airtel)
• Credit/Debit Card (local & international participants)
• PayPal (local & international participants)

  4. Add-On Experience (Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park)

Where: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park
Permits: Via World Gorilla Marathon Licensed Tour Operators: UGX 250,000 Locals (East Africans) and USD $800 (Internationals)
Duration: One (1) day guided gorilla trek (strenuous but unforgettable)
How to Book: Via World Gorilla Marathon licensed partners or registered tour Operator companies

 ️ 5.  Travelling and getting to Uganda

-International Arrival

• Main Airport: Entebbe International Airport (EBB)
• Visa: Obtainable via https://visas.immigration.go.ug
• Yellow Fever Vaccination: Required

 For UK, there is a direct flight from London to Entebbe International Airport

 -Domestic Travel to Bwindi National Park (Buhoma Sector), Kanungu District

• By Air:
  • Domestic scheduled / private Charter flights (Aerolink Uganda or Bar Aviation) to Kihihi Airstrip, then a 90-minute road transfer to Bwindi (Buhoma)
  • Fly from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airport for 1 hour and 10 minutes.
  • Private Helicopter flights direct to Bwindi National Park’s closest premises available upon request.
• By Road:
  • From Entebbe or Kampala: 9 to 10 hours drive via Mbarara-Ntungamo to Rukungiri-Kihihi and then Bwindi (Buhoma Sector).
  • From Entebbe or Kampala to Kisoro (Mgahinga National Park the transfer lasting for 7 to 8 hours. 
  • 4×4 recommended due to terrain. Group transfers available through official licensed tour operator partners.

  6. Accommodation Options in Kampala, Uganda or Bwindi National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Choose accommodation within or near Kampala to ensure easy access to the marathon start/finish lines and then Bwindi National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for the gorilla trekking points. Recommended Lodges range from luxury, mid-range, and budget.

 Book Early, as September is the closing month for the peak holiday travel and gorilla trekking season in Uganda.

 ️ 7. What should i pack when traveling for the World Gorilla Marathon in Uganda

 We recommend bringing:

• Light, breathable sportswear for running
• A breathable rain jacket for abrupt rain showers
• Comfortable running shoes and hiking shoes if you intend to trek gorillas
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Reusable water bottle
• Modest gorilla trekking clothes (long sleeves, gaiters, gloves)
• Binoculars (optional) or camera (required for exquisite photography during gorilla trekking)

  8. International Standards & Code of Conduct

The World Gorilla Marathon follows global best practices and guidelines:

• Accurate course measurements for all distances
• Aid stations every 5 km with water and first aid
• Clearly marked routes with marshals
• Environmentally responsible race practices-plastic-free zones and waste collection points
• Zero tolerance for doping, littering, or harassment
• All participants must respect wildlife, forest rules, and local communities

  9. Race Pack Collection

• Dates: 20 July 2025 to 20 September 2025
• Location: UWA offices (Kampala), Entebbe (TBC), Bwindi (TBC) and International (TBC)
• What to Bring: Registration confirmation/proof of payment, ID/Driving permit or passport.

No race packs will be distributed on the morning of the marathon campaign/event.

  10. Important Notices

• Weather:

• Daytime Temperatures: 25°C – 28°C (77°F – 82°F)
• Nighttime Temperatures: 16°C – 19°C (61°F – 66°F)
• Humidity: 60% – 80%
• Rainfall: Light to moderate showers, often in the afternoon or early evening
• Winds: Light, occasionally breezy

 Altitude: Kampala sits 1,150 to 1,300 meters (3,770 to 4,265 feet) above sea level. Train accordingly.

• Wildlife: For those who equally intend to embark on the serial gorilla trekking experience before or after the marathon in Bwindi National Park or Mgahinga National Park, they are advised to strictly follow the guidance of their professional tour guide or park rangers at all the time.
• Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions.
• Surface: Paved Roads (Tarmac/Asphalt)

  11. Why You Should Join (Proceeds from the World Gorilla Marathon)

• Support local and global gorilla Conservation awareness, gorilla protection and habitat restoration
• Sustain Ecotourism with Uganda’s National Parks habitat to more than half of one of the gorilla species “Mountain gorillas”
• Empower local communities through Community health and education projects
• Be part of a global conservation movement

 12. Awards & Recognition

• Top Finishers: Prizes & Trophies
• Top Fundraisers: Conservation Hero Medals
• Global Virtual Participants: Mailed finisher packages
• Corporate Teams: Special Recognition Plaques

  13. Stay Connected

Follow for updates, training tips, and conservation stories:

• Instagram: @gorillamarathn
• X (Twitter): @gorillamarathn
• Facebook: World Gorilla Marathon
• YouTube: World Gorilla Marathon
• TikTok: @gorillamarathon
• Hashtags: #WorldGorillaMarathon #RunForGorillas #OneRaceOnePlanetSavingGorillas

  14. Travel Checklist

15. Contact & Help Desk

For questions, group bookings, volunteering, or sponsorship inquiries:
Email: info@worldgorillamarathon.org.

Follow the link to join our WhatsApp group