Race Program

World Gorilla Marathon races are open to professional and amateur runners, virtual participants, and conservation supporters worldwide and will be hosted in Kampala, Uganda, with routes mapped to provide competitive terrain, hydration stations, elite athlete services, medical coverage, and crowd safety protocols.

Sunday Race Day: 20 September 2026
Venue: Kololo Independence Grounds, Kampala, Uganda
Start/Finish Point: Kololo Independence Grounds

Race Categories and Start Times

Race Category Distance Start Time Cut-off Time
Full Marathon 42 Km 6:30 AM 6 hrs
Half Marathon 21 Km 7:00 AM 3 Hrs
10KM City Breeze Run 10 KM 7:30 AM 2 Hrs
5KM Family Fun Run 5 Km 8:00 AM 1.5 hrs

    • Elite & Seeded Runners Check-in: Opens at 5:00 AM (dedicated tent)

    • General Runners Check-in: Opens at 5:30 AM

    • Warm-Up & Stretching Zones: Open 5:15–6:15 AM, led by trainers

    • Security & Baggage Check: All bags screened; gear check open from 5:00 AM

    • Hydration & Medical Booths: Positioned every 2.5KM along the route and at start/finish

COURSE OVERVIEW

    • Reviewed Routes: Measured to global standards using GPS mapping

    • Surface: Urban paved roads, with slight elevation changes and flat sections ideal for PBs and fast finishes

    • Landmarks Along Route: Independence Monument, Uganda Museum, Nakasero Hill, Kampala Golf Course, and green corridors to highlight Uganda’s urban-ecological interface

    • Eco-Themed Sections: Eco-signage and live drummers along conservation awareness zones

KEY ON-COURSE SERVICES

    • Timing Mats: Placed at every 5KM for accurate split tracking

    • Water Points: Every 2.5KM with both bottled water and electrolyte drinks

    • Medical Tents: Mobile ambulance patrols on standby

    • Pace Groups: Available for major finishing times (e.g., Sub-3:00, Sub-4:00, Sub-5:00)

    • Entertainment Zones: Traditional Ugandan drumming and conservation-themed cheer squads

    • Eco-Volunteers: Positioned to guide and encourage runners while sharing gorilla facts

FINISH LINE EXPERIENCE

    • Digital Finisher’s Time Display

    • Recovery Zone: Hydration, fruit, massage area, and first aid

    • Finisher’s Medal: Custom gorilla-themed medal for all finishers

    • Award Ceremony: Begins at 11:00 AM

    • Prize Purse: Open to elite and top Ugandan runners; includes cash awards and conservation recognition tokens

AWARD CATEGORIES

    • Top 3 Male & Female Athletes (42 KM-Gorilla Marathon)

    • Top 3 Male & Female Athletes (21KM-Half Marathon)

    • Best Conservation-Themed Outfit (5KM Category)

POST-RACE EXPERIENCE

    • Exhibitor Village: Gorilla conservation booths, local crafts, eco brands

    • Virtual Marathon Recognition: Digital certificates and real-time leaderboard shoutouts

    • Closing Performance: Ugandan music and dance ensemble at 2:00 PM

    • Departure Logistics: Transport partners on site for easy drop-off coordination

TECHNICAL SUPPORT & SAFETY

    • Medical & Emergency: Uganda Red Cross + Uganda Police partnership

    • Route Control: Road closures and marshals for full race duration

ATHLETE SUPPORT HOTLINE (Race Week):

✉️ info@worldgorillamarathon.org

This race is more than just a run, it’s a call to action to protect our shared natural heritage and the last remaining gorillas. We welcome runners, conservationists, and elite athletes to join us in making every step count-for fitness, for wildlife, for our planet.