Sierra Leone Marathon

View on map
Sports & AdventureMakeni
Dates25 October 2026Confirmed listing
Duration1 dayListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCompetition, enduranceThis is explicitly framed by organizers as
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: SLE
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Sierra Leone Marathon in Makeni

The Sierra Leone Marathon and Cycling Challenge is an annual charity endurance event run through rainforest and remote villages around Makeni in Bombali District, offering full and half marathon, 5km and 10km running distances plus a 70km cycling route, with proceeds supporting the international charity Street Child.

Every year in the window between late April and early May, the northern Sierra Leonean town of Makeni becomes the starting point for one of West Africa's more unusual endurance events: the Sierra Leone Marathon and Cycling Challenge.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

This is explicitly framed by organizers as an adventure rather than a competitive race, participants run or cycle through genuine rainforest terrain and remote village settings in northern Sierra Leone rather than a closed urban course, giving it a character closer to an expedition than a standard road marathon

02

The mystery stays covered

All finishers receive an exclusive hand-carved wooden medal rather than a mass-produced one, and the event doubles as fundraising for Street Child, a charity operating across 22 countries, meaning every entry directly supports child welfare programming in one of the regions the race passes through

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The event was created specifically as a fundraising vehicle for Street Child

Water and renewal

Living ritual

a charity supporting vulnerable children

The sacred route

Living ritual

and its route through rainforest and remote villages was deliberately designed to bring international participants into direct contact with the same communities the charity's programmes serve

The local code

Living ritual

rather than running a course confined to Makeni's town centre

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

25 October 2026

Getting around

Plan arrival around the route or course in Makeni; closures can make normal travel slower.

What to wear

Lightweight, moisture-wicking running or cycling gear suited to tropical heat and humidity; the race is held in the late April to early May window, at the tail end of Sierra Leone's dry...

Safety

At Sierra Leone Marathon, respect barriers, moving equipment and marshal guidance; photos are never worth stepping into active areas.

Where to stay

Stay near workable transport in Makeni, especially if the event runs late or streets close.

Tickets/cost

Official ticket link is available. Confirm access rules before booking.

Language/currency

SLE

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map8.89 N, 12.04 WOpen in Google Maps

Makeni, West Africa, Sierra Leone

Nearest airportFNA — Lungi
TransportPlan arrival around the route or course in Makeni; closures can make normal travel slower.
Stay areaStay near workable transport in Makeni, especially if the event runs late or streets close.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Makeni via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Makeni, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for October.Compare faresFestival gearLightweight, moisture-wicking running or cycling gear suited to tropical heat and humidity; the race is held in the late April to early May window, at the tail end of Sierra Leone's dry season, so expect strong sun and high humidity.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Sierra Leone and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Sierra Leone Marathon?

Sierra Leone Marathon is listed for 25 October 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Sierra Leone Marathon take place?

The festival is listed in Makeni, Sierra Leone. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Makeni, West Africa, Sierra Leone

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLfinishers.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates25 October 2026
Source statusOfficial source linked
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