Virunga Gorilla Marathon targets 3,000 runners in Kisoro

13 May 2026, 12:43 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

In an effort to promote climate action, tourism, and community development in Kisoro District and Uganda at large, the leadership of the Virunga Gorilla Marathon, led by Ivan Kahangire in partnership with the European Union Delegation to Uganda, has organised the third edition of the event, described as a premier eco-conscious running competition.

The theme for this edition is “Running for Climate Action, Promoting Biodiversity in the Virunga Region.” According to the organisers, the event also aims to increase participation from 1,000 to 3,000 runners, with participants required to pay a registration fee.

Earlier this week, team leader Ivan Kahangire confirmed that he met the Head of the EU Delegation to Uganda, Jan Sadek, whom he officially invited to attend the event.

“Honoured to formally invite H.E. Jan Sadek to the third edition of the Virunga Gorilla Marathon on 30th May 2026 in Kisoro District,” he said.

He further outlined details of the event, stating that the marathon will take place on 30th May 2026 in Kisoro under challenging terrain.

The 2026 edition will feature multiple race categories, including a 112km ultra-marathon, a 42km full marathon, a 21km half marathon, a 10km race, and a 6km trail run. The organisers say the ultra-distance category is designed to test endurance while showcasing the region’s unique landscape.

“The event focuses on running for climate action, promoting biodiversity, and boosting tourism in the Virunga region,” Ivan Kahangire emphasised.

He added that participants will run through Kisoro’s rugged terrain, including rainforests, steep hills, and ancient lava fields near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

To prevent fraud and improve efficiency, the organisers have introduced a cashless registration system in partnership with Airtel Money Uganda for payments and registration.

The target is to grow participation to 3,000 runners, with fees set at UGX 70,000 for East African citizens and USD 30 for international participants.

The event is also being supported by Tusker Lite, which will provide a post-race entertainment experience branded as a Neon Rave.

The organisers further noted that the marathon is part of broader efforts to promote tourism in the Virunga region, with key attractions expected to include sites around Kisoro and Mgahinga National Park, especially in connection with upcoming regional tourism campaigns.