MTN Kampala Marathon

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Sports & AdventureKampala
DatesDates TBA · Usually NovemberCheck locally before booking
DurationAnnualEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCompetition, enduranceAcross roughly two decades, the MTN Kampala
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: UGX
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

MTN Kampala Marathon in Kampala

The MTN Kampala Marathon was an annual charity road race that ran from 2004 through 2022, becoming one of Uganda's most established sporting events before MTN Uganda suspended it in 2023. In 2024 the government-backed Kampala City Marathon launched as a possible successor, leaving the MTN-branded marathon's future unresolved rather than confirmed as an ongoing annual fixture.

MTN Uganda launched the Kampala Marathon in 2004, building it over the following two decades into one of the country's signature annual sporting events.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Across roughly two decades, the MTN Kampala Marathon combined competitive road racing with a strong charitable mission, raising more than UGX 4 billion for causes including maternity kits for expectant mothers, resettlement support for people displaced by the northern Uganda conflict, clean water and sanitation projects in schools and communities, and maternal health improvements at health facilities

02

The mystery stays covered

It attracted international elite runners alongside thousands of recreational participants and ran for 18 consecutive years except during the two COVID-19-affected years

03

The city starts moving

In 2023, MTN Uganda and the Uganda Athletics Federation jointly announced they would not hold that year's race while reworking its format, and by 2024 the government had launched a separate, state-backed Kampala City Marathon, leaving the MTN-branded event's continuation an open question

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The marathon followed the model of major African urban charity marathons

Water and renewal

Living ritual

pairing a competitive road race with fundraising for community health and welfare projects

The sacred route

Living ritual

a format that ties athletic participation directly to visible civic benefit rather than treating the race as a purely sporting exercise

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually November

Getting around

For MTN Kampala Marathon, plan transport around the exact Kampala venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Standard road-race kit: moisture-wicking running gear, a hat or visor and sunglasses for Kampala's daytime sun, and broken-in running shoes suited to paved city streets. Layers help for the...

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

For MTN Kampala Marathon, stay near the part of Kampala you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

UGX

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map0.32 N, 32.58 EOpen in Google Maps

Kampala, Central Region, Uganda

Nearest airportEBB — Entebbe
TransportFor MTN Kampala Marathon, plan transport around the exact Kampala venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor MTN Kampala Marathon, stay near the part of Kampala you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

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 Kampala via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Kampala, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for November.Compare faresFestival gearStandard road-race kit: moisture-wicking running gear, a hat or visor and sunglasses for Kampala's daytime sun, and broken-in running shoes suited to paved city streets. Layers help for the cooler early-morning start typical of Ugandan road races.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Uganda 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 MTN Kampala Marathon?

MTN Kampala Marathon is listed for November. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does MTN Kampala Marathon take place?

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

How long should I plan for?

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

Is a source linked?

Needs editorial review. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Kampala, Central Region, Uganda

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 URLAwaiting confirmation
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually November
Source statusNeeds editorial review
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