Hundreds grace the Virunga Gorilla Marathon 2025 in Kisoro

The 2025 edition of the Virunga Gorilla Marathon successfully took place in the heart of Kisoro, drawing nearly 1,000 runners from Uganda and the surrounding region.

The marathon, themed “Running for Conservation and Climate Action,” featured four race categories: 6 km, 10 km, 21 km, and the full 42 km marathon.

Beginning at the iconic Mayor’s Gardens in Kisoro Municipality, runners embarked on a journey through breathtaking highland landscapes, offering stunning views of the Virunga volcanoes, Lake Mutanda, and the vibrant communities surrounding Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The event highlighted the unique combination of nature, adventure, and culture that makes Kisoro a true gem in Uganda’s tourism landscape.

Some of the runners pose with their medals after the end of the Virunga Marathon in Kisoro. Courtesy photo

Currently in a phase of growth, the Virunga Gorilla Marathon has quickly become the largest annual sports and tourism event in the Kigezi sub-region. This year’s edition saw increased participation, greater media coverage, and stronger community involvement.

“We are thrilled by the turnout and support,” said Kenneth Kamukama, one of the lead organizers. “This marathon is not just a race; it’s a celebration of conservation, culture, and community development. We’re proud to use sports as a vehicle to promote tourism and sustainable livelihoods in Kisoro.”

Funds raised from this year’s marathon will go toward local community projects including tree planting (with a goal of planting 10,000 trees). The marathon also saw the launch of a vibrant “Neon Rave,” an after-party experience powered by Tusker Lite and headlined by DJ Bugy, attracting a large number of both locals and visiting runners.

Some of the runners pose with their medals after the end of the Virunga Marathon in Kisoro. Courtesy photo

“Tusker Lite is all about bringing energy and unforgettable experiences to our consumers,” said Mercy Atwongyeire, Project Manager UBL.

“We love showing up in unique ways especially at events that help us curate amazing experiences for our vibrant and expressive consumers. The Neon Rave was a spectacular close to a beautiful marathon.”

With this milestone, the organizers have announced plans to expand the marathon’s reach even further in 2026, while strengthening community partnerships and sustainability goals. The 2025 edition was powered by support from key partners including Stanbic Bank Uganda, Tusker Lite, Pepsi Uganda, UWA, UTB, UBC, and the Kisoro District Local Government, among others.