If you are a running enthusiast, there are various running events that you can take part in Kenya and in the greater African region.
The running events also feature family elements so you can be able to bring your children along. We have put together a list of 17 running events that we think you would be interested in.
1. Hydro challenge – Trail Run & MTB at Masinga Dam
The Hydro challenge – Trail Run & MTB will be at Masinga Dam resort which is located in Machakos County.
Details
- Date: July 28th. 2019
- Time: 7:30am
- Venue: Masinga Dam Resort
- Categories: MTB Pro – 40 kms, MTB – 26 kms, MTB Amateur – 13 kms, Trail Run Pro – 40 kms, Trail Run 26 kms, Trail Run – 13 kms and Walk 5 kms.
- Entry fees: Adults – KSh.3,000, Kids – KSh. 1,800. Register here .
All finishers will receive a finishers Medal.
Registration docs.google.com
2. Havoc Trail Run & MTB – Naivasha
The Happy Valley Obstacle Challenge in Naivasha will be on 24th August 2019. It is a trail run and mountain bike challenge in The Aberdare Hills Golf Resort.
The race is comprised of 30km, 15km and 7km challenges divided into several parts. The day will also feature a 1K Fun Run for Kids.
You can only register for the HAVOC challenge as an individual.
Categories and flag off times
- 30km mountain bike challenge – 7:00am
- 30km trail run- 7:30am
- 15km mountain bike challenge – 8:00am
- 15km trail run – 8:30am
- 7km trail run – 9:00am
- Young racer – 11:00am
Entry fees
- Early Bird price – Book by July 31st – Ksh. 3,000
- At the gate: Ksh. 4,000
- Young Racer price: Ksh. 1, 000 for children below 15 years
Registration facebook.com/events
4. Shompole Wildlife Marathon
Shompole Wildlife Marathon will be on 1st September 2019. is a trail running event held in the vast wilderness between two of the worlds largest trona lakes in Kenya, East Africa
Shompole Wildlife Marathon will include a 30km, 20km and 10km race routes in the stunning trails and tracks of one of the world’s most abundant natural environments. This unique marathon is already established as one of Kenya’s finest trail marathons taking in fully marked trail single track, game lands and featuring salt lake spa running.
Entry Fees
| Runner Nationality | Schedule | Entry Fee | Entry Fee | Entry Fee |
| 30km Ultra |
20km Run |
10km Trail Run |
||
| East African CITIZENS | Early Bird Rate |
Kes. 3150 | Kes. 3150 | Kes. 3150 |
| Early Discount Season 01 July – 30 July |
Kes. 3650 | Kes. 3650 | Kes. 3650 | |
| Late Entry Season 1st Aug – 31st Aug |
Kes. 4000 | Kes. 4000 | Kes. 4,000 | |
| East Africa RESIDENTS | Early Bird Rate | $40 | $40 | $40 |
| Early Discount Season 01 July – 31 July |
$45 | $45 | $45 | |
| Late Entry Season 01 Aug – 01 Sep |
$50 | $50 | $50 | |
| International Runners | Early Bird Rate |
$45 | $45 | $45 |
| Early Discount Season 01 July – 31 July |
$50 | $50 | $50 | |
| Late Entry Season 01 Aug – 01 Sep |
$55 | $55 | $55 |
Registration run-africa.com
5. Escarpment Madness Trail 2019
The Escarpment Madness Trail 2019 will be on 9th September 2019 in Mai Mahiu in Nakuru County.
Race categories
35km Madness Solo Race (1,200m Ascent)
This race will take you on a scenic escarpment trail with an elevation gain of 1,200m set in four stages. The Race has the following stages with a checkpoint at the end.
Stage 1: The Old Caravan
Stage 2: Thiitima
Stage 3: Wall of Death
Stage 4 : The Free Gear
Stage 5: Into the Woods
Stage 6: Ooh Snap
The first person to pass all the checkpoints on a designated trail and finish first wins the race.
35Km Madness Relay Race (1,200m Ascent)
The Relay Race will be done in teams of 3 athletes. This race will take you on a scenic escarpment trail with an elevation gain of 1,200m set in four stages. The team will have 3 exchange points where they will pass a Custom baton with a team name to their next team mate. The first team to beat the finish wins the race.The Race has the following stages with a checkpoint at the end.
Stage 1: The Old Caravan
Stage 2: Thiitima
Stage 3: Wall of Death
Stage 4 : The Free Gear
Stage 5: Into the Woods
Stage 6: Ooh Snap
22Km Ninja Solo Race (600m Ascent)
This scenic run will have 600m Ascent with the following Checkpoints in place:-
Stage 1: The Calm Before the Storm
Stage 2: Into the Woods
Stage 3: Ooh Snap
14Km Uphill Task Race (400m Ascent)
This scenic run will have an introductory level trail with amazing views and forests along the way. The race will have only one stage/ Checkpoint, the start and finish.
45Km MTB Challenge
This ultimate MTB race will see you test your skills to the extreme. Treacherous while still maintaining reasonable sense of course safety.
Winners and finishers goodies
All Participants will be issued with the following merchandise:-
- Race T-shirt
- Custom Race Bib
- Custom Button for the Relay Teams
- A Finishers medal for those that finish within the stipulated cut off time.
The Top Finishers will receive prize money of Ksh. 100,000
Entry Fees
| Runner Nationality | Schedule | Entry Fee | Entry Fee | Entry Fee |
| 30km Ultra |
20km Run |
10km Trail Run |
||
| East African CITIZENS(proof will be asked for) | Early Bird Rate |
Kes. 3150 | Kes. 3150 | Kes. 3150 |
| Early Discount Season 01 July – 30 July |
Kes. 3650 | Kes. 3650 | Kes. 3650 | |
| Late Entry Season 1st Aug – 31st Aug |
Kes. 4000 | Kes. 4000 | Kes. 4,000 | |
| East Africa RESIDENTS(proof will be required) | Early Bird Rate ( | $40 | $40 | $40 |
| Early Discount Season 01 July – 31 July |
$45 | $45 | $45 | |
| Late Entry Season 01 Aug – 01 Sep |
$50 | $50 | $50 | |
| International Runners | Early Bird Rate |
$45 | $45 | $45 |
| Early Discount Season 01 July – 31 July |
$50 | $50 | $50 | |
| Late Entry Season 01 Aug – 01 Sep |
$55 | $55 | $55 |
Registration bucketlist.co.ke/escarpment
6. Sanlam Cape Town Marathon
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is a prestigious global city race open to a range of running enthusiasts from elite athletes to social runners. It will take place on Sunday, 15th September 2019.
It is open to to elite athletes; registered and unregistered runners, as well as wheelchair racers of 20 years of age and over.
International entry fees Africa
MARATHON 42.2km: R660 – Includes race entry, temporary registration as athlete in SA, timing Chip & ASICS shirt
PEACE 10km: R330 – Includes race entry, temporary registration as athlete in SA & timing Chip
22km PEACE TRAIL: R1000 – Includes race entry, temporary registration as athlete in SA, timing Chip & ASICS shirt
12KM PEACE TRAIL: R600 – Includes race entry, temporary registration as athlete in SA & timing Chip
International entry fees – Rest of the world
MARATHON 42.2km: R1100 – Inclusive race entry, temporary registration as athlete in SA, timing Chip & ASICS shirt
PEACE 10km: R550 – Inclusive race entry, temporary registration as athlete in SA & time Chip
22km PEACE TRAIL: R1000 – Includes race entry, temporary registration as athlete in SA, timing Chip & ASICS shirt
12KM PEACE TRAIL: R600 – Includes race entry, temporary registration as athlete in SA & timing Chip
Peace 12km trial run
R320 – Includes race entry & SANParks entry fee
Sanlam Cape Town Marathon event shirt: R230
PEACE 22km TRAIL RUN:
R530 – Includes race entry, SANParks entry fee & ASICS shirt
Sanlam Cape Town Marathon event shirt: R230
PEACE 5km RUN: R70 – Includes race entry & timing chip
Sanlam Cape Town Marathon event shirt: R230
Registration enter.capetownmarathon.com
7. Source Of The Nile Trail Run And MTB Challenge
The Source Of The Nile Trail Run And MTB Challenge will be on 22nd September 2019. This year it will include a 50km distance for the truly adventurous Ultra Trail runners and 30km Mountain Bike Race.
The tickets and categories are as follows;
2019 Early Bird Race Fee Schedule – January 1, 2019 – July 31, 2019
| 50 Km | $30 |
| 25 Km | $25 |
| 12 Km | $25 |
| 5 Km | $25 |
| MTB RACE | $25 |
Last Minute Race Fee Schedule – August 1, 2019 – September 15, 2019
| 50 Km | $35 |
| 25 Km | $30 |
| 12 Km | $30 |
| 5 Km | $30 |
| MTB RACE | $30 |
Registration sourceoftheniletrailrunchallenge.com/register
8. Endurance Run Race
The Endurance Run Race will be on 13th October 2019 in Entebbe, Uganda. The race is organized by Activate Uganda and and will start at Entebbe Sail Club. This Endurance race is run on a 2.3km circuit for 6hrs, starting from 7:00am to 1 pm.
Categories
- 15 Laps (25.3 kms) – stepping up past a half marathon)
- 25 Laps (42.5 kms) – beyond the marathon mark)
- 30 Laps (51.0 kms) – Welcome to the Ultra Marathon club)
Entry fees
- Registration Fee: 70,000 UGX Adults
- 50,000 UGX Kids under 14yrs
Registration activateuganda.com/events
9. Rock City Marathon
The Rock City Marathon (RCM) is an annual event held in Mwanza. The 2019 edition will be on 20th October 2019.
Categories
- Half-Marathon (21km)
- Full Marathon (42 km)
- 2.5km run for children from (7-10) years of age
Registration rockcitymarathon.co.tz/register
10. Watamu Sport Festival 2019
The Watamu Sport Festival will be on Sunday, October 20, 2019 from 6 AM – 11 AM. It is also a selection race for the 2020 ITU Multisport World Championship in Almere, Netherlands in September 2020.
Categories
- Triathlon – 1 Km Swim, 30Km Bike, 7 Km Run
- Duathlon – Sprint – 5Km Run, 20Km Bike, 2.5Km Run
- Duathlon -Standard – 10Km Run, 40Km Bike, 5Km Run
- Half- Marathon – 21Kms Running
- Watamu Run – 10Kms Running
- Wife Carrying Competition – 250Metres Obstacle Course.
Registration run-africa.com
11. Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon
The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon will be on 28th October 2019.
Categories
| Race | Distance | Assembly Time | Start Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelchairs | 21.098 kms | 6:30 am | 6.50 am |
| Full Marathon | 42.195 kms | 6:30 am | 7:00 am |
| Half Marathon | 21.098 kms | 6:30 am | 7:20 am |
| CEO’S Race | 2.500 kms | 7:30 am | 7:40 am |
| 10 Km | 10.000 kms | 7:30 am | 8:30 am |
| Family Fun Run | 5.200 kms | From 8:00 am | 9:25 am |
Entry fees
| Race Type | Before 15/10/2018 | After 15/10/2018 | Age Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Marathon | 2,000/= | 2,500/= | 18 years & over |
| Half Marathon | 2,000/= | 2,500/= | 18 years & over |
| 10km | 2,000/= | 2,500/= | 15 years & over |
| 5km | 2,000/= | 2,500/= | Children under 15 years must be accompanied by a responsible guardian or parent. |
| Wheelchair Half Marathon | 2,000/= | 2,500/= | 18 years & over |
| Family Run | 2,000/= | 2,500/= | Children under 15 years must be accompanied by a responsible guardian or parent. |
Registration nairobimarathon.com
12. Dodoma Marathon
The Dodoma Marathon includes a Marathon (42.2KM) , Half Marathon, (21.1KM) , Fun Run (5KM), 10KM ,Kids run (2.5KM) & Festival, 1 – day Event Sports & Fitness Expo. It will be held in Dodoma at Jamhuri Stadium.
The inaugural Dodoma Marathon will be held on Saturday, 9th November 2019.
Entry fees
- Original Price 15,000.00TZS
- Early Bird Price 10,000.00TZS (Until 18-09-2019)
Registration dodomamarathon.co.tz/registration
13. Serengeti Safari Marathon
The 2019 edition of the Serengeti Safari Marathon will take place on 16th November. It will feature a classic cycling 80kms, 42kms marathon, 21kms half marathon, 10kms Executive marathon and 5kms fun marathon.
Entry fees
- Non resident – $80
- EA residents – 20,000Tzs
Registration serengetisafarimarathon.or.tz/registration
14. The Great Rift Valley Ultra
The Great Rift Valley Ultra (GVRU) is a running event held in Iten. It is a Point-to-Point race, start time is 6:00am, minimum entry age is 23 and cut-off time for the ultra distance is 10 hours. It will be on 8th December 2019.
Entry Fees
| Runner Nationality | Schedule | Entry Fee | Entry Fee | Entry Fee |
| 52km Ultra |
30km Run |
Corporate Relay |
||
| East African CITIZENS(proof will be asked for) | Early Bird Rate ( | Kes. 4000 | Kes. 4000 | Kes. 35,000 |
| Early Discount Season 01 July – 30 Sep |
Kes. 5000 | Kes. 5000 | Kes. 45,000 | |
| Late Entry Season 1st Oct – 07 Dec |
Kes. 6000 | Kes. 6000 | Kes. 50,000 | |
| East Africa RESIDENTS(proof will be required) | Early Bird Rate ( | $60 | $60 | $500 |
| Early Discount Season 01 July – 30 Sep |
$70 | $70 | $500 | |
| Late Entry Season 01 Oct – 07 Dec |
$80 | $80 | $500 | |
| International Runners | Early Bird Rate |
$80 | $80 | $500 |
| Early Discount Season 01 October – 14 December |
$100 | $100 | $500 | |
| Late Entry Season 15 December – 07 Dec |
$120 | $120 | $500 |
Registration run-africa.com/register
15. Kampala Santa Hat Fun Run
The Kampala Santa Hat Fun Run will be on 15th December 2019 at Kaazi Sail Club in Busaabala, Kampala
Categories
- 10km
5km/walk
3km Children
17km (MTB)
Event Schedule
- 7:00am Arrival and collection of Starter Pack
- 8:00am 10km starts
- 8:30 am 5km starts
- 8:45am 3km starts
- 9:00am 20km MTB starts
Cost
- Registration Fee: 60,000
- UGX Adults 50,000 UGX Kids
Registration activateuganda.com/3/13
16. Tigoni Trail Run
The Tigoni Trail Run will be on Sunday, December 6, 2015 at 8 AM at Brackenhurst Conference Centre.
Start Time
- 7:00 AM for 33KM MTB
- 7.10am for 25Km Ninja Run
- 7.20am for 15Km Wababe Run
- 7.30am for 6km Family Run
Cost
- Early bird: Ksh. 3,000 (until 21st November).
- Standard ticket: Ksh. 5,000 ( by Friday 20th November)
Entry includes a race t-shirt. Registration docs.google.com
17. Shaba Challenge fun run
The Shaba Challenge fun run on 10th August 2019 at the Shaba National Reserve. The event will be in partnership with ActionAid Kenya and Sarova Hotels.
The Shaba Challenge will feature obstacle courses within the scenic Shaba National Reserve landscape. There will be individual events and also team events.
The Shaba Challenge entails three obstacle courses suited for various groups of participants.
1. The Ndovu Course – The Tough Course
This course is suitable for professional fitness enthusiasts. It includes mud and trail runs, adventure challenges and more competitive timed obstacle course races. The obstacles include cargo net climbs, carrying heavy objects, traversing bodies of mud and water, crawling under barbed wire, and the natural Shaba terrain. The obstacles employed throughout the course will test endurance, strength, speed and dexterity.
2. The Simba Pride Course -The Teamwork Course
This course is suitable for organisations who are interested in fostering trust and team spirit among their staff. It features a six-kilometre mud run out in the park through the tough Shaba terrain with epic obstacles such as tyre flips, cargo nets, balance beams, wall climbs and many more.
3. The Swara Family Course – The Fun Course
This course is suitable for friends and family teams who want to spend time together engaging in a physically challenging activities.
Tickets for the event are Ksh. 5,000 for spectators and children and Ksh. 10,000 for adults. The tickets are available here ticketsasa.com/shaba_challenge. Accommodation options also available for both participants and spectators.
18. Family Bank Eldoret Half Marathon
The race will be in Talget, outside Tendwo High School in Uasin Gishu County on Sunday, 6th October 2019.
There will be races for elite runners, fun runners, corporate runners and a family fun run. The winners of the 21km races will take home 250,000 shillings each, while the 1st and 2nd runners-up will take home 150,000 and KES 100,000 shillings
The races cost Ksh. 1,000 for the 21km run and Ksh. 1,000 for the 5km for the family fun run. To register for the run go here familygroupmarathon.com/event-info.