This sensational marathon has the ambition of running to raise awareness of the plight of the gorilla population as well as raising funds for conservation work.
The race itinerary is based around the Source of the Nile, a spectacular region near the town of Jinja where Lake Victoria becomes the Nile River. The surrounding area is a mixture of forest and small farms and villages linked by red clay trails which will form the route of the marathon and half marathon.
Location map
The Race
We start right at the waters edge where Lake Victoria becomes the Nile - the river is already wider than the Thames in London at this point and descends in a series of rapids and small waterfalls through a rolling green tropical landscape.
After a short distance leaving Jinja we cross the Nile on a sturdy foot bridge and return a little further along over the hydro electric dam. From here we then go onto soft red clay trails through farms and fields until you reach the Nile Porch Resort where the 21.1km finishes.
The marathon then continues on trails past a number of schools which are being supported and refurbished by the charity Soft Power, who we are engaging to help with the event and raise funds for the project.
The route will run through the village of Budondo and returning on trails to Nile Porch and the finish line.
The course is undulating in nature with no steep hills to climb. The start at Source of the Nile is at 1,170mts above sea level, the high point of the race is 1,220mt and the low point 1,140mts.
The routes are safe and the most dangerous possiblity is tripping over the lead teathering a goat to the verge - there are no crocs or hippo on this stretch of the Nile as the water is too fast.
There will also be a community 5km starting and finishing at the Nile Porch Resort for local children, Ugandan adults and supporters of those running the half or full marathons.
Nile Porch is an adventure centre and camp site with a spectacular location overlooking the Nile rapids - there will be water and an all day buffet available for finishing runners to refuel and cold beer for those looking to celebrate their achievement.
The Climate & Health
Mid-May is the end of the rainy season. It is likely to be sunny most of the time but there is a chance of short heavy rains - usually lasting for 30mins to 1 hr when a lot of water will come down and the trails get very wet. But as soon the rain stops the sun will come back out and everything dries out.
Because of the 1,200mt altitude it is not hot at this time of the year and you can expect temperatures in the mid-20C but the sun is very strong and you need high factor sun screen.
To avoid being in the strongest sunlight for too long the race will start at 7am.
Lake Victoria is a Malaria region and you should consult your doctor about precautions before travel. We are not qualified to give advice on vaccinations required and you should check with your doctor.
Run this event for charity.
2:09 Events Travel Essentials - Large Duffel Bag, Document Belt, 2:09 Training Technical T-Shirt, 2:09 CoolMax Running Socks
Hotel
We will be staying at the Jinja Nile Resort, a 4-star hotel with superb views down the Nile. All of the rooms are in spacious bungalows with bathroosm en suite and colour TV.
There is a leisure pool and pool bar, a business centre with free broadband connection, restaurant, bar and an excellent gym.
Run this event for charity.
2:09 Events Travel Essentials - Large Duffel Bag, Document Belt, 2:09 Training Technical T-Shirt, 2:09 CoolMax Running Socks
Itinerary
Day 01 (Tue) 12 May 200
Depart London Heathrow on BA63 for the direct overnight flight to Entebbe.
Day 02 (Wed) 13 May 2009
Arrive Entebbe 07:30 Hrs
Transfer to Mabira Rainforest Lodge for Lunch and Activities
Lunch 1200 -- 1330
Afternoon Forest Walk, Sauna, Swimming or Birdwatching.
Proceed to Jinja Nile Resort in the early afternoon
Dinner & Overnight at Jinja Nile Resort
L,D included
Day 03 (Thur) 14 May 2009
Morning visit to the Source of the Nile followed by Family Float Trip
Lunch @ Nile Porch
Afternoon Walks to familiarize yourself with the area and the people
Dinner and overnight at Jinja Nile Resort
B,L and D included
Day 04 (Fri) 15 May 2009
Morning to preview the marathon route(s)
Afternoon - OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
- Horse back riding
- Zip line
- Quad biking
- Bird watching
Dinner and overnight Jinja Nile Resort
B,L and D included
Day 05 (Sat) 16 May,2009
Morning at leisure - OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Evening - Registration and Pasta Party at Nile Porch
B,L and D included
Day 06 (Sun) 17 May 2009
0600 gathering for start of races at 0700
Race Day (Half Marathon/ Full Marathon
Finish at Nile Porch
Buffet / Self Service style Light Lunch around the swimming pool
Afternoon at leisure-OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Dinner at Nile Porch with prize giving at early PM
B,L and D included
Day 07 (Mon) 18 May 2009
Open Day - OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
-Horse riding
-Kayaking
-Canoeing
-Fishing
-Bird watching
-White Water Rafting
Overnight and Dinner at Jinja Nile Resort
B,L and D included
Day 08 (Tue) 19 May 2009
Drive to Entebbe (approx 2hrs) and afternoon visit by boat on Lake Victoria to the chimp sanctuary (12:00 pm- 5:00pm)
Dinner at Imperial Resort Beach or similar Hotel
B,L and D included
Day 09 (Wed) 20 May 2009
Transfer to EBB airport at 0700 for departure at 0940 of BA62 to London Heathrow, arriving at 16.00.
B included
Gorilla Trek Add-on
It would be a shame to travel this distance and not actually meet the gorillas - this add-on package gives you the perfect 14 night holiday and includes the US$500 gorilla trekking permit, as well as the transportation, accommodation and meals.
Day 08 (Tue) 19 May 2009
Depart from Jinja for Lake Mburu. Stop at Equator en route. Afternoon Game Drive and Boat Ride. Dinner and overnight at Mihingo Safari Lodge and Lake Mburu Tented Camp.
Day 09 (Wed) 20 May 2009
Morning game walk in search of hyena. Proceed to Gorilla Sanctuary at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Lunch enroute in Kabale. Dinner and overnight at Gorilla Resort or Buhoma Homestead
Day 10 (Thu) 21 May 2009
Gorilla Trekking , Dinner and overnight at Gorilla Forest Camp or Buhoma Homestead.
Day 11 (Fri) 22 May 2009
Transit to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Packed lunch. Afternoon Game Drive and Boat Ride on Kazinga Channel. Dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge.
Day 12 (Sat) 23 May 2009
Early breakfast. Checkout of hotel and proceed Morning Game Drive on the Northern Circuits. Continue to Mbarara for Lunch. Arrive late afternoon or early evening in Kampala. Overnight at Golf Course Hotel or Hotel Africana. Dinner at Le Chateau Belgian Restaurant. 3 course meal with coffee/tea.
Day 13 (Sun) 24 May 2009
Transfer to Entebbe (approx 45 mins)
Afternoon visit the chimp sanctuary by boat on Lake Victoria (12:00 pm- 5:00pm)
Dinner at Imperial Resort Beach or similar Hotel
B,L and D included
Day 14 (Mon) 25 May 2009
Transfer to EBB airport at 0700 for departure at 0940 of BA62 arriving in London Heathrow at 16.00.
B included
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the southwestern part of Uganda and covers 331 square kilometers, making it one of the largest natural forests in East Africa. As part of the Albertine Rift Valley, the park is part of one of Africa's most important conservation areas and was declared a Natural World Heritage Site in December 1994. Since 2003 the Albertine rift valley has been declared a biodiversity hotspot that needs special attention to maintain conservation efforts.
The landscape here is rugged, with deep valleys running between steep sided hills and ridges. There is both lowland and montane rainforest with dense undergrowth of herbs, vines and shrubs, hence the name ...Impenetrable... This area is regarded as one of the most biologically diverse forest in Africa with the richest faunal community in East Africa.
This rich and varied landscape is home to many species found no-where else on earth and encompasses one of the last remaining habitats of mountain gorillas. More than half of the world's population of wild mountain gorilla is found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (approximately 325 of the remaining 690 or so individuals).
There are estimated to be 120 specifies of mammals (more than any other national park in Uganda except Queen Elizabeth). Among these are forest elephants and 10 species of primate, including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys and baboons and it is the only park where chimpanzees and gorillas co-exist together. A rare giant forest hog can also be found, although sightings are rare!
For bird watchers Bwindi is one of the most exciting areas in Uganda to visit with an estimated 360 species of birds, including 23 of the 24 endemic to the Albertine rift valley and another 14 species found nowhere else in Uganda, including the African Green Broadbill. The pristine rainforests of this park are also home to approximately 300 species of butterfly (including two endangered species of Swallowtails), 200 native tree species and many species of reptiles and amphibians (including one species of frog that may be new to science).
The rugged mountainous terrain makes gorilla trekking strenuous work and visitors should be prepared for up to 8 hours of hiking (good physical condition is a must). No-one with any sign of communicable disease will be allowed to trek. The three groups of gorilla habituated for trekking are the Mubare, Habinyanja and Rushegula. Each group has approximately 15-20 individuals. A fourth family; Nukiringo, was opened for trekking in 2004, although access to this group is from Kisoro.
Run this event for charity.
2:09 Events Travel Essentials - Large Duffel Bag, Document Belt, 2:09 Training Technical T-Shirt, 2:09 CoolMax Running Socks
