Terms and Conditions

1. Introduction

Welcome to the World Gorilla Marathon™ (“The Event”), an annual global and noble event organized by African Marathon Group (a Not-for-profit organisation) to raise gorilla conservation awareness and harmonious human-wildlife coexistence. By registering or participating in any format of the marathon-Physical Run or Virtual Run or Localized International Run and all our other campaigns, you agree to the following Terms and Conditions.

These Terms and Conditions are binding upon registration and participation in the Event scheduled to always take place in September of each year in Kampala, Uganda or any other location as the organiser may communicate.

2. Definitions

• Physical Run: An on-ground marathon held in the host country: Uganda on 24th September (if a Sunday) or on the next Sunday that follows immediately after World Gorilla Day. This years marathon will be held on 21 September 2025.
• Virtual Run: A remote, self-coordinated run completed by participants anywhere in the world using personal devices and race tracking apps.
• Localized International Run: A physical group run facilitated by our vetted International Ambassadors in cities across the USA, Europe, Australia, Asia, Africa and North America.
• Organizer: African Marathon Group Limited, the registered World Gorilla Marathon™ Owner, annual event host and implementing agency.
• Participant: Any individual or group registered for the marathon in any of the formats above and race categories.

3. Eligibility

• Participants must be at least 18 years of age on race day to enter the Full or Half Marathon.
• Participants under 18 years may enter the 10KM or 5KM run with written consent or in the presence of a guardian or legal guardian.
• All participants must complete the official registration process and pay the applicable entry fee.
• All participants agree to comply with local laws and public health guidelines applicable in their region or country of participation.

4. Registration and Fees

• Registration must be completed through the World Gorilla Marathon-official website: gorillamarathon.org.
• Entry fees vary by race category and participant type (local or international).
• All fees are non-refundable, non-transferable, and not deferrable, except in exceptional circumstances approved by the organizers which may include event cancellation without rescheduling but interpreted in conjunction with clause 12.

5. Event Participation

• Participants agree to comply with all race instructions, rules, and health and safety regulations.
• Bib numbers must be worn visibly during the duration of the race.
• The Event will proceed regardless of weather conditions, unless deemed unsafe by the organizers.

6. Race Formats and Participation Rules

1. Local Physical Run (Africa Host Countries)

• Participants must report to the designated start and finish locations and follow the official race route provided.
• Event-day logistics (water stations, medical aid, security, timekeeping) will be provided.
• Runners must wear their official bib and gear to access services and be included in final rankings for the marathon which will be published through a third party with a link on our website.

1. B. Virtual Run

• Participants can run from any location using GPS-enabled devices.
• Completion must occur within the official race window (typically September 21 to September 30).
• Runners must submit proof of completion (screenshots, app links, photos, etc.) through the WGM portal or via our official communication channels.
• Certificates and medals (where applicable) can be collected from our international localised collection centres (TBC) or be shipped at the runners’ costs or emailed after verification.

1. Localized International Runs (Ambassador-led)

• Organized by official WGM International Ambassadors.
• Participants must follow ambassador guidance regarding start times, routes, safety protocols, and local permits.
• Group participation may involve local fees to cover refreshments, gear, or venue access-separate from the WGM registration fee.
• Data and photos from these runs should be submitted to WGM for global inclusion.

7. Health, Medical fitness, Safety and Insurance

• All participants assume full responsibility for their health and safety during the event, although for physical runs, medical first aid will be provided, and participants are advised to carry essential medication and be aware of personal limitations.
• All participants affirm that they are medically fit and physically capable to undertake running or walking over long distances.
• Virtual participants must choose safe routes and avoid high-risk areas.
• Participants must obtain appropriate medical clearance (where applicable) before the race.
• International participants must carry valid travel and medical insurance that includes coverage for emergency evacuation and repatriation.
• Local participants are strongly encouraged to carry health insurance.

  Indemnity and Liability

8.1 Assumption of Risk Participation in the Event involves inherent risks, including but not limited to physical exertion, high-altitude conditions, uneven terrain, wildlife encounters (if you opt-in for gorilla trekking), and limited access to emergency services. Participants voluntarily accept full responsibility for these risks.

8.2 Indemnity Clause Participants agree to indemnify and hold harmless African Marathon Group Limited, World Gorilla Marathon, event sponsors, partners, officials, volunteers, local authorities, and conservation agencies from any claims, liabilities, losses, or expenses arising from participation in the Event.

8.3 Limitation of Liability The organizers are not liable for any injury, illness, death, property damage, or loss incurred before, during, or after the Event. This includes but is not limited to accidents, theft, natural disasters, wildlife activity, or acts of terrorism.

8.4 Participant Responsibility Participants agree to:

• Adhere to safety guidelines and instructions
• Avoid any form of misconduct or disruptive behavior

9. Environmental and Ethical Commitment

• WGM promotes eco-friendly practices. Participants are encouraged to:
  • Avoid littering during their run.
  • Respect wildlife, and local communities
  • Use reusable hydration gear.
  • Support local conservation initiatives.
• Any conduct found to be harmful to people, animals, or the environment may lead to disqualification.

10. Code of Conduct

Participants agree to:

• Treat all fellow participants, volunteers, and staff with respect to the extent possible.
• Refrain from any form of harassment, discrimination, or violence.
• Uphold the values of conservation, global solidarity, and mutual respect.

11. Disqualification

World Gorilla Marathon™ reserves the right to disqualify any participant who:

• Submits falsified results for the virtual run.
• Violates any of the terms outlined in any part of these terms.
• Engages in unethical conduct or disrupts the event experience for others.

12. Force Majeure. The organizers reserve the right to cancel, modify, or postpone the Event in case of circumstances beyond their control, including but not limited to natural disasters, political unrest, public health emergencies, or unsafe conditions. In such cases, no refunds shall be provided neither shall the organizers be liable for any costs incurred by participants due to changes.

13. Use of Likeness.

1. By participating, entrants grant the organizers the right to use photos, video, testimonials and other media recordings taken during the Event for promotional, fundraising, and reporting purposes without compensation.
2. Media submitted from Virtual and Ambassador runs may be edited and featured in WGM’s online and print platforms globally

14. Data and Privacy

• Personal data collected during registration will be used only for purposes related to the marathon, safety, marketing, and conservation reporting.
• By registering, participants consent to the collection, processing, and use of their data in line with Uganda data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, Uganda’s Data Protection & Privacy Act that align with global guidelines.
• Participants may opt out of promotional emails at any time.

15. Governing Law.

• These Terms and Conditions shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Uganda and applicable international law where relevant.
• Any disputes shall be resolved amicably; if unresolved, they will be handled through the exclusive jurisdiction of the Ugandan courts or arbitration channels.

16. Acceptance of Terms By completing registration, participants acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions in full.

17. Contact Information

For queries, feedback, or concerns, contact us by completing the contact us form under About Us page