Overview:
The 2025 Virunga Gorilla Marathon from the iconic Mayor’s Gardens in Kisoro Municipality, runners journeyed through breathtaking highland landscapes, with views of the Virunga volcanoes, Lake Mutanda, and lush communities that border Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
The 2025 edition of the Virunga Gorilla Marathon successfully concluded in the heart of Kisoro, attracting close to 1,000 runners from Uganda and across the region.
The marathon, themed “Running for Conservation and Climate Action”, offered four race categories: 6km, 10km, 21km, and the full 42km marathon.
Starting from the iconic Mayor’s Gardens in Kisoro Municipality, runners journeyed through
breathtaking highland landscapes, with views of the Virunga volcanoes, Lake Mutanda, and lush communities that border Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
The event showcased the unique blend of nature, adventure, and culture that makes Kisoro a true gem in Uganda’s tourism crown.
Now in its growing phase, the Virunga Gorilla Marathon has quickly established itself as the
biggest annual sports and tourism event in the Kigezi sub-region, with this year’s edition
drawing increased participation, media coverage, and community involvement.
We are thrilled by the turnout and support. This marathon is not just a race; it’s a celebration of conservation, culture, and community development. We are proud to use sports as a vehicle to promote tourism and sustainable livelihoods in Kisoro.
Kenneth Kamukama, Lead organizer, Virunga Marathon
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.
Tusker Lite is all about bringing energy and unforgettable experiences to our consumers.
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.
Mercy Atwongyeire, Project Manager Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL)
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, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) Tv, and the Kisoro District Local Government, among others.
