Get back to nature and experience Africa's landscape from a runner's perspective. With nothing but adrenaline and your shoes, you can witness incredible sights, climb to the highest peaks, uncover nature's hidden gems, and challenge yourself to create lasting memories.
Africa: A Runner's Paradise
Have you ever wondered why some of the world’s fastest runners come from Africa? Some claim Africa to be a runner’s paradise. Abebe Bikila of Ethiopia ran the marathon barefoot at the 1960 Olympics in Rome - and won! Decades later, his fellow countryman, Haile Gebrselassie, won the Berlin Marathon four times. Clearly, the African continent is a rich training ground, even if you only aspire to set a personal record.
Here are some of the most notable marathons in Africa:
1. Two Oceans Marathon, South Africa
If you are chasing incredible coastal scenery while pushing yourself to the limits, this 56K Ultra Marathon fits the bill. The name comes from the fact that runners have commanding views of both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans while rounding Cape Peninsula. Approaching Chapman’s Peak, one of the loveliest stretches of race-able coastline in Cape Town, it’s hard to argue with the organizers’ claim that this ultra is “the world’s most beautiful marathon”. If you are not up to the challenge yet, join the 21K half marathon instead.
2. Ethio Trail Marathon, Ethiopia
A recently started running event in the heart of the ancient Great Rift Valley, the Ethio Trail Marathon builds on the popularity of Ethiopia as the land of legendary runners and capitalizes on the chains of lakes and waterfalls located in Abijatta-Shalla National Park where the marathon takes place. If birds also happen to be high on your life list, you will find the islands on Lake Shalla a real paradise.
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3. Victoria Falls Marathon, Zimbabwe/Zambia
So maybe you are ambitious and want to cram as many experiences as possible in a single event while also having the time of your life. Then put down your name for the Victoria Falls Marathon held in the vicinity of ‘the smoke that thunders.’ Starting by the banks on the Zimbabwe side of the border, runners cross the Victoria Falls bridge, briefly enter Zambia, traverse the Zambezi National Park (where the chance to spot wildlife is high), then finish at Victoria Falls Primary School in Zimbabwe. With spectacular river and waterfall scenery, varied terrain and wildlife entertaining you along the way, the full 42.2K should be a no-sweat feat. There’s also a 21.2K half marathon and a 7.5K fun run for beginners to enjoy.
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4. Lewa Safari Marathon, Kenya
There’s running on dirt roads under the intense heat of the sun, and there’s running under withering heat in the company of lions, giraffes, elephants and zebras - at an altitude of 5,500 feet above sea level. If this lung-busting safari appeals to you, then this 42K jog held each June within the 55,000-acre Lewa Wildlife Conservancy should be on your bucket list. The good news is you are far from the only human bold enough to run with some of Africa’s iconic Big Five: More than 1,000 runners from around the world gather in the shadow of Mt.
5. Comrades Marathon, South Africa
Named in memory of a South African soldier’s fallen comrades who fought during WWI, the Comrades Marathon is unarguably the world’s largest ultra-marathon event with plenty of compelling history to go with its mass appeal. Attracting a staggering number of runners from all corners of the globe (more than 18,000 runners joined in 2013), Comrades was first run in May 1921 (now the event is held in June) by only 34 runners setting off from the quiet charm and dignity of Pietermaritzburg for a race to Durban some 89km downhill. Since then, the “down” runs were held in even years while the “up” runs from Durban to Pietermaritzburg were held in odd years. The unfolding scenery between these two locations is phenomenal, especially as the route snakes through the aptly named Valley of a Thousand Hills. But don’t let the crescendo of one green slope rising above another fool you.
6. Kilimanjaro Marathon, Tanzania
If you’re setting your sights for the Comrades Marathon and would also like to ogle at rural Tanzania’s scenery in the shadow of the snow-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro, this 42.2K marathon is for you. Taking place at the end of February or beginning of March, the “Kili” run kicks off from Moshi then heads towards Dar es Salaam before turning around and tracking back down into the heart of Moshi where the route then follows a track that steadily climbs towards Mweka, a village on the southern slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The Kili marathon also offers a glimpse into the warmth of locals who provide ample vocal support, cheering on runners as they pass through.
7. Fish River Canyon Ultra Marathon, Namibia
The Fish River Canyon is a gorge of stunning proportions: a massive gash in the African continent 160kms long, 27kms wide and half a kilometer deep, only the Grand Canyon of the US is bigger. Casual hikers follow the canyon’s 84km trail to marvel at the stark beauty of the primeval landscape, but elite runners use the same trail to push themselves beyond what is humanly possible. After all, this ultra marathon is unsupported (except for water stations along the way) and the difficult nature of the terrain as it follows the course of the Fish River presents a real possibility of completing the course after dark (when the canyon is more intimidating). For this reason, this June event is timed to coincide with the full moon.
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8. Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon (KAEM), South Africa
There’s walk-in-the-park Victoria Falls Marathon, lung-busting Safaricom Marathon, and even the grueling 96K Fish River Challenge. Then there’s the 250K extreme marathon - in the middle of a desert. Without support. Not surprisingly, KAEM is one of the most revered desert races in the world. A 7-day, 6-stage self-sufficient foot race held annually in October, KAEM attracts runners from around the world and takes them to the dramatically contrasting landscape of the Kalahari Desert near the equally stunning Augrabies Falls on the Orange River. Finding your way back after getting lost in the vastness of the Kalahari is not the most pressing challenge: The course is clearly marked throughout, with checkpoints every 8-10km and hawk-eyed race crew to steer you back on the right track.
9. Marathon des Sables (MdS), Sahara Desert
Regarded as the world’s toughest extreme marathon (at least according to Discovery Channel), this 7-day, 6-stage, 250K journey through the Sahara brings elite runners to sandy trails, sand dunes, dry lake beds, white-hot salt plains, rocky jebels (mountains or hills), and the occasional sand storm. Like the KAEM, MdS requires you to bring everything you need (minus tent and water) to make it through the unforgiving desert where daytime temperatures regularly reach 50°C. Held in March or April, MdS is wildly popular despite the mental and physical toughness it demands, regularly attracting more than a thousand ultra-fit runners from around the world. Slots are often sold out years in advance, but the preparation that goes with putting your name down will truly be worth it. After all, this foot race is the stuff of legends.
Marathons in East Africa
East Africa stands as a powerhouse in the world of long-distance running. The region’s high altitudes, supportive communities, and deep-rooted athletic culture create the ideal environment for runners. Kenya has produced some of the world’s fastest runners, and its marathons reflect that pedigree. The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, held every October, draws thousands of runners to the capital city. Another standout is the Lewa Safari Marathon in June. This race runs through the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, making it one of the few events in the world where runners may spot zebras or giraffes en route. Uganda’s marathon scene continues to grow with events that blend sport, culture, and social impact. The Uganda Marathon, hosted in Masaka each June, offers more than just a race. The capital also plays host to the MTN Kampala Marathon every November. As Uganda’s largest road race, it draws runners from across East Africa. Another culturally rich event is the Kabaka’s Birthday Run, held every April in celebration of the birthday of the Buganda King. It attracts tens of thousands of runners each year. The race supports health campaigns focused on diseases like sickle cell anemia, HIV/AIDS, and cancer. Tanzania offers some of the most scenic and physically demanding marathons in the region. The Kilimanjaro Marathon, held annually in Moshi each February, starts at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. The Serengeti Safari Marathon in November takes runners through the legendary wildlife-filled plains of the Serengeti. Rwanda’s hilly terrain makes its marathons both scenic and demanding. The Kigali International Peace Marathon, usually in June, promotes unity and peace in the post-genocide era. The Musanze Gorilla Marathon, a newer entry, introduces runners to Rwanda’s northern region near Volcanoes National Park. South Sudan, though still developing its marathon circuit, hosts peace-promoting races such as the Run for Peace Marathon in Juba. In contrast, Ethiopia-home to icons like Haile Gebrselassie-hosts the Great Ethiopian Run in Addis Ababa every November. Though technically a 10K, its altitude and sheer energy make it feel like a marathon. The marathon calendar in East Africa spreads across the year. Dry seasons offer better conditions. Running in East Africa offers more than a physical challenge. It connects you to the roots of elite running, supports local causes, and lets you immerse in landscapes unlike any other. Ready to lace up and run in the footsteps of champions? East Africa awaits with races that test your limits and lift your spirit.
Table of African Marathons
| Marathon Name | Location | Distance | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two Oceans Marathon | Cape Town, South Africa | 56K Ultra, 21K Half | Coastal scenery, views of Atlantic and Indian Oceans |
| Ethio Trail Marathon | Abijatta-Shalla National Park, Ethiopia | 42K | Lakes and waterfalls |
| Victoria Falls Marathon | Zimbabwe/Zambia | 42.2K, 21.2K, 7.5K | Crosses Victoria Falls bridge, Zambezi National Park |
| Lewa Safari Marathon | Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya | 42K | Runs through wildlife conservancy |
| Comrades Marathon | Pietermaritzburg to Durban, South Africa | ~89km | World's largest ultra-marathon |
| Kilimanjaro Marathon | Moshi, Tanzania | 42.2K | Base of Mount Kilimanjaro |
| Fish River Canyon Ultra Marathon | Fish River Canyon, Namibia | 84km | Unsupported, takes place during full moon |
| Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon (KAEM) | Kalahari Desert, South Africa | 250K | 7-day, 6-stage self-sufficient race |
| Marathon des Sables (MdS) | Sahara Desert | 250K | 7-day, 6-stage self-sufficient race |
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