Founded by the African Marathon Group, the World Gorilla Marathon is set to launch its inaugural race in September 2025 in Uganda. Established with the vision of blending elite sport with urgent conservation, the initiative brings together eminent conservationists, enthusiastic athletes, international conservation organisations, Multinational Corporations, philanthropic individuals, local community organisations and working with government agencies on a shared mission that is of a noble cause and upholds grounded commitment towards saving one of the planet’s most endangered and awe-inspiring creatures, “The gorillas”.
Rooted in both environmental advocacy and athletic excellence, the World Gorilla Marathon draws inspiration from the continent’s natural beauty and rich biodiversity. It aims to become Africa’s and the World’s signature conservation marathon, where each stride raises awareness and funding for gorilla health monitoring, habitat preservation, and conservation education. The African Marathon Group, supported by prominent African and international partners, envisions a global event that empowers local communities through ecotourism and environmental stewardship.
With Uganda as its starting point, the race will highlight scenic routes through gorilla-inhabited regions and spotlight conservation challenges. Held annually around World Gorilla Day, the World Gorilla Marathon is positioned to grow into a landmark event, uniting global runners and conservation advocates to create lasting change. It is more than a marathon; it is a movement to preserve one of Earth’s most iconic species for generations to come.
WGM envisions serving as a symbol of what’s possible when sport and sustainability move in stride, protecting nature one step at a time.
A world where people thrive through running and gorillas flourish in harmony with humans, protected by united global action, sustained environments, and a shared commitment to conserving the planet’s biodiversity”
Promoting gorillas’ conservation awareness and healthy lifestyle through a transformative movement that transcends a race, anchored in environmental sustainability, harmonious human-gorilla coexistence, and a commitment to safeguarding biodiversity.
“One race, One planet, Saving gorillas”
🌍 1. Conservation Commitment. We are unwavering in our mission to protect gorillas and their habitats. Our work is rooted in science, community collaboration, and a deep respect for wildlife, ensuring our efforts contribute meaningfully to global biodiversity.
🤝 2. Global Solidarity. We believe that gorilla conservation is a shared responsibility. By building a worldwide movement, we harness collective power-from local communities to international partners-to drive change across borders.
🌿 3. Environmental Sustainability. We advocate for actions and solutions that sustain ecosystems, reduce human-wildlife conflict, and mitigate environmental degradation. Our initiatives are designed with long-term impact and ecological balance in mind.
🕊️ 4. Coexistence and Respect. We promote harmonious living between people and gorillas through education, community-led conservation, and inclusive dialogue. Mutual respect is the foundation of our approach to sustainable conservation.
💡 5. Integrity and Impact. We uphold the highest standards of transparency, ethics, and accountability. Every step we take is guided by the pursuit of measurable, lasting impact for gorillas, communities, and the planet.
Our awareness and gorilla conservation efforts ensure that our shared mission has an impact that is not only immediate, sustainable, but also empowering the livelihoods of local people in surrounding communities who are closest to the conservation regions that inhabit the endangered gorillas through;
We foster conservation efforts by mobilizing global support and empowering local action through collaboration with local conservation organisations, International Organisations and government agencies which are at the frontline of conservation, every single day working to ensure the survival of gorillas. This is normally through supporting anti-poaching patrols, habitat preservation, and gorilla behavioural monitoring, ensuring these endangered species are safeguarded in their natural environments. We foster an integrated model of shared responsibility and coexistence which not only strengthens ongoing conservation efforts building resilient within the communities that champion the long-term survival of gorillas and the ecosystems they call home.
We champion community awareness and education as vital tools for lasting conservation and peaceful co-existence between humans, gorillas, and their natural habitats. Through partnerships with local schools, conservation groups, and veterinaries/primatologists, it delivers targeted education on wildlife protection, ecosystem balance, and the risks of human-wildlife conflict. Culturally sensitive outreach programs and community dialogues promote respect for gorillas and the environment, while highlighting the shared benefits of conservation. By empowering people with knowledge and fostering pride in their natural heritage, we transform communities into active custodians of the environmental. This inclusive, knowledge-driven approach ensures that conservation is not just a mission, but a shared way of life across gorilla inhabitant and the world at large.
Through partnerships with grassroots organizations, we empower communities through promoting education, eco-tourism, and livelihood initiatives that generate income while fostering a conservation ethic. Training in conservation skills, health awareness, and environmental stewardship equips communities to become active guardians of their natural heritage. By aligning the well-being of people with that of gorillas, this nurtures mutual respect and shared responsibility. This approach not only improves local quality of life but also reduces human-wildlife conflict, ensuring harmonious co-existence in conservation areas. Empowered communities, driven by both socio-economic benefits, become long-term allies in protecting gorillas and their habitats.
We work with local primatology and veterinary organizations to promote the health and survival of endangered gorillas while safeguarding public health in surrounding communities. Recognizing the close interaction between humans and gorillas in conservation areas, the funds raised from our marathon and other events is channelled to support joint health monitoring programs that enable early detection of zoonotic diseases, reducing risks to both species. It facilitates community-based education campaigns on hygiene, disease prevention, and environmental stewardship, building local capacity for long-term impact. This holistic approach not only enhances gorilla protection efforts but also uplifts the health, awareness, and resilience of communities living at the frontline of conservation.
Our collaborations with local conservation organizations, regulatory authorities, and global educational and research institutions often offer structured volunteer placements for individuals undertaking primatology related research and other environmental conservation works. Our research volunteers can engage in gorilla health and behaviour monitoring, ecological research, habitat restoration, community sensitization, and sustainable tourism initiatives. By aligning with local laws and conservation priorities, the volunteer program ensures ethical, impactful involvement. Such partnerships not only provide practical learning experiences but also strengthen grassroots conservation efforts, support scientific research, and empower local communities. Through this model, we leverage on global expertise by working with global research universities/organisations, with local action to protect endangered gorillas and their fragile ecosystems.
World Gorilla Marathon™ envisions serving as a symbol of what’s possible when sport and conservation sustainability move in stride, protecting gorillas one step at a time.