Great Gorilla Trail Marathon, Source of the Nile, Uganda
Sun 17th May 2009
Introduction
This sensational marathon has the ambition of running to raise awareness of the plight of the gorilla population as well as raising funds for conservation work.
The race itinerary is based around the Source of the Nile, a spectacular region near the town of Jinja where Lake Victoria becomes the Nile River. The surrounding area is a mixture of forest and small farms and villages linked by red clay trails which will form the route of the marathon and half marathon.
The Race
We start right at the waters edge where Lake Victoria becomes the Nile - the river is already wider than the Thames in London at this point and descends in a series of rapids and small waterfalls through a rolling green tropical landscape.
After a short distance leaving Jinja we cross the Nile on a sturdy foot bridge and return a little further along over the hydro electric dam. From here we then go onto soft red clay trails through farms and fields until you reach the Nile Porch Resort where the 21.1km finishes.
The marathon then continues on trails past a number of schools which are being supported and refurbished by the charity Soft Power, who we are engaging to help with the event and raise funds for the project.
The route will run through the village of Budondo and returning on trails to Nile Porch and the finish line.
The course is undulating in nature with no steep hills to climb. The start at Source of the Nile is at 1,170mts above sea level, the high point of the race is 1,220mt and the low point 1,140mts.
The routes are safe and the most dangerous possiblity is tripping over the lead teathering a goat to the verge.
There will also be a community 5km starting and finishing at the Nile Porch Resort for local children, Ugandan adults and supporters of those running the half or full marathons.
Nile Porch is an adventure centre and camp site with a spectacular location overlooking the Nile rapids - there will be water and an all day buffet available for finishing runners to refuel and cold beer for those looking to celebrate their achievement.
The Climate & Health
Mid-May is the end of the rainy season. It is likely to be sunny most of the time but there is a chance of short heavy rains - usually lasting for 30mins to 1 hr when a lot of water will come down and the trails get very wet. But as soon the rain stops the sun will come back out and everything dries out.
Because of the 1,200mt altitude it is not hot at this time of the year and you can expect temperatures in the mid-20C but the sun is very strong and you need high factor sun screen.
To avoid being in the strongest sunlight for too long the race will start at 7am.
Lake Victoria is a Malaria region and you should consult your doctor about precautions before travel. We are not qualified to give advice on vaccinations required and you should check with your doctor.
Hotel
We will be staying at the Jinja Nile Resort, a 4-star hotel with superb views down the Nile. All of the rooms are in spacious bungalows with bathroosm en suite and colour TV.
There is a leisure pool and pool bar, a business centre with free broadband connection, restaurant, bar and an excellent gym.
Gorilla Extention to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the southwestern part of Uganda and covers 331 square kilometers, making it one of the largest natural forests in East Africa. As part of the Albertine Rift Valley, the park is part of one of Africa's most important conservation areas and was declared a Natural World Heritage Site in December 1994. Since 2003 the Albertine rift valley has been declared a biodiversity hotspot that needs special attention to maintain conservation efforts.
The landscape here is rugged, with deep valleys running between steep sided hills and ridges. There is both lowland and montane rainforest with dense undergrowth of herbs, vines and shrubs, hence the name ...Impenetrable... This area is regarded as one of the most biologically diverse forest in Africa with the richest faunal community in East Africa.
This rich and varied landscape is home to many species found no-where else on earth and encompasses one of the last remaining habitats of mountain gorillas. More than half of the world's population of wild mountain gorilla is found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (approximately 325 of the remaining 690 or so individuals).
There are estimated to be 120 specifies of mammals (more than any other national park in Uganda except Queen Elizabeth). Among these are forest elephants and 10 species of primate, including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys and baboons and it is the only park where chimpanzees and gorillas co-exist together. A rare giant forest hog can also be found, although sightings are rare!
For bird watchers Bwindi is one of the most exciting areas in Uganda to visit with an estimated 360 species of birds, including 23 of the 24 endemic to the Albertine rift valley and another 14 species found nowhere else in Uganda, including the African Green Broadbill. The pristine rainforests of this park are also home to approximately 300 species of butterfly (including two endangered species of Swallowtails), 200 native tree species and many species of reptiles and amphibians (including one species of frog that may be new to science).
The rugged mountainous terrain makes gorilla trekking strenuous work and visitors should be prepared for up to 8 hours of hiking (good physical condition is a must). No-one with any sign of communicable disease will be allowed to trek. The three groups of gorilla habituated for trekking are the Mubare, Habinyanja and Rushegula. Each group has approximately 15-20 individuals. A fourth family; Nukiringo, was opened for trekking in 2004, although access to this group is from Kisoro.