Marathons That Take Place in African Wilderness and Nature
If you are passionate about jogging and running, you can do so in Africa too! Although running and jogging isn’t as popular in Africa as in Western World, this doesn’t mean there are no marathons and awesome running events in the midst of African nature.
Big 5 Marathon in South Africa – Run in The Wild Savannah
Definitely the wildest of all and not for sissies! Big 5 Marathon participants run among wildlife of the African savannah. There are no fences, just incredible nature and yes it can happen a game will cross your course or wildebeest in the distance roaming their way. The Big Five Marathon features a classic 42km marathon and a half marathon. Minimum age to attend is 18.
Maasai Mara Marathon in Kenya
As the name suggests Maasai Mara Marathon is held in spectacular Maasai Mara National Reserve, more precisely in Lemek Conservancy, which covers approximately 17,000 acres in the Maasai Mara. Races include 21 km Half Marathon, 5 km Fun race, 5 km Corporate race and 5 km Local category.
Safaricom Marathon in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Runners from all over the world gather at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy each year to take part in this incredible race. Participants can run the full Marathon, Half Marathon and Children’s 5km Race.The course is set on dirt roads that take the runners on a 13 mile route through the conservancy — across savannah plains, along river banks and through acacia woodland.
Kenya Wildlife Marathon
Starting its first time in 2016! Kenya Wildlife Marathon takes place on the very pristine wilderness of the Taita Hills Private Wildlife Sanctuary amongst wildlife and breathtaking views of Tsavo West National Park.
The sanctuary holds incredible views from the hill tops of the expansive landscape that extends into Tanzania providing magnificent views of the Pare and Uluguru Mountains in Tanzania. Even the awesome snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro can be seen during the run.
The complete week long package includes all meals, accommodations, game drives, cultural experiences, interaction with the locals, race entry and all transportation.
Rift Marathon Uganda
Running the Rift Marathon (full, half and 10k) is a trail run through spectacular scenery where the Great Rift Valley meets and the UNESCO World Heritage Rwenzori Mountains, near the beautiful town of Fort Portal.
Amazing African trails, stunning hills and excited local children to cheer you along – Running the Rift Marathon is truly the perfect African running experience. 100% not for profit with all proceeds going to a local charity working with disabled children. Created by runners passionate about running in East Africa.
Ethio Trail Marathon in Ethiopia’s Great Rift Valley
Ethio Trail Marathon takes place just 200 kilometres out of Addis Ababa in Abijatta – Shalla Lakes National Park. Marathon participants can choose between three different levels to run or hike: 12 km route, 21 km and 42 kilometers of 1200 m uphill level.
Kilimanjaro Marathon Tanzania
14 years in a row, Kilimanjaro Marathon takes place in Moshi each year at the end of February of start of March. Marathon runners can choose three levels 42 km, 21 km or 5 km fun run. Kilimanjaro Marathon is also a qualifying event for Comrades race.
Victoria Falls Marathon Zimbabwe, Zambia
Victoria Falls Marathon starts outside the banks of Ilala Lodge entrance, then crosses over the Victoria Falls Bridge, briefly into Zambia offering the social runner some of the most spectacular scenery in Africa, the route continues through the Zambezi National Park with some great views of the river, and ends at the Victoria Falls primary school.
Serengeti Marathon Tanzania
Dare to run along Wildebeest migration in Serengeti? If your answer is yes, then Serengeti Marathon is for you! A part of marathon race – 4 kilometers of the running route – takes place in actual Serengeti National Park on the west side near Ndabaka Gate. The rest of Marathon is held outside the park, runners will run through villages and pathways. Available runs to participants: full, half marathon and fun 5km run.
Mauritius Marathon
Although more exotic than wild, Mauritius marathon is gaining its popularity each year and some proclaimed it as the most beautiful marathon in the world. Runners run through creolan villages and crystal-clear blue lagoons.
The Marathon race starts on the Saint Felix Beach, runs towards Riambel and then onto Le Morne Village, giving runners the opportunity to run along the most beautiful coastal road the island has to offer. Runners will run through typical coastal fishermen villages. Participants can choose 42, 21 and 10 km race.
What a unique list! I love the shots of the animals and people running together.
I never knew you could do a safari marathon! What an awesome experience.
What an amazing experience to be able to run in such a great environment!
Yes, all marathons look tempting even for non runners i guess:)
Literally went “woahhhhh” out loud reading your post. Probably information I’ll never get to put into practice, but holy interesting (and pretty) topic! Yowzah. Nice work!
This is an amazing list. I am a runner, but not ready for my first marathon yet. These events and pictures, however, inspire me to train harder and do it one day!
Thanks, i have to admit i am seriously tempted to start running although am more on roller blading side:)
running in Africa must be so difficult, EPIC I’d say. I love the way you tell about this country, really. thank you so much for sharing!
Talk about “being one with nature”. 🙂 I’m not a runner, but this seems like it would be an incredible experience!!
I think you may have just motivated me to put on my running shoes! Great post. Sharing with my brother who is a runner and just moved to Dar ??
Very interesting. I didn’t know anything about that before. Thanks for sharing!
awesome photos! I pinned on JustTravellingSolo board. I hope you don’t mind
Thanks Carla, awesome boards!
Early planning stages to run the Amazing Maasai Marathon 7/2018 in Kenya. I’ll do the HM, been on my bucket list since 2005. It will also be a return to Africa, did Tanzania in 1978. This time hope to be bringing our son & his wife, she’s a runner too. So excited!!! Any travel preparation recommendations?
Be fit and be ready for hot temperatures.:)
July in Kenya will be wet. A good pair or trail run shoes I guess. Haven’t done it but would love to do it one day. Have fun!
Cool list. ??
It’s Zimbabwe not Zambabwe. ?
Thanks have no idea how I overlooked typo like that:)