Described by Runner’s World magazine as the “craziest and most worthwhile marathon”, the Sierra Leone Marathon returns in 2022 for its tenth edition.
Taking place between 1-6 June 2022, the marathon is organised by Street Child, a UK-based registered charity. It helps raise funds for the charity and raise awareness of the programmes which transform the lives of children and their families through education.
Winding through tropical jungle and local villages, the Sierra Leone Marathon route takes in some of the most beautiful scenery in northern Sierra Leone. From a full and half marathon to a 10km or 5km option, there is something for all running abilities and regardless of your distance, each will give you a unique perspective on this beautiful country.
Races start early to avoid the worst of the sun, usually around 6am. Facilities include regular water stations (some with re-hydration sachet/drinks), fixed and mobile medical support, and live music at certain points throughout the route.
Running legend Nick Butter said: “I’ve run a marathon in every country in the world but the Sierra Leone Marathon is my favourite.”
Beginning on 1 June 2022, the Sierra Leone Marathon is a “five-day adventure which will take you off the beaten track and show you the beauty Sierra Leone has to offer”, the official website says.
Participants will have the opportunity to explore northern Sierra Leone where Street Child are based and attend workshops with the charity’s teams to discover more about its work. The racing adventure will begin at dawn, finishing back at Wusum stadium in Makeni with a hand-carved medal and a cold beer.
After a well-deserved rest that evening, runners will have the option to take a flight home or continue their journey to one of Sierra Leone’s tropical beaches for a two-night beach extension.
There are three travel packages available for the event – basic (£449), standard (£639), and premium (£969) – which include:
- breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
- all accommodation
- clean drinking water throughout the trip, including electrolytes on race day
- transport and transfers (including airport pick up, transport to projects and transfers to and from the beach)
- race entry, race medal and race vest
- full support team
- schedule of activities and entertainment throughout the week.
Flights, visas and any vaccinations (yellow-fever is a must) are not included. How to sign up: etapestry.com
Street Child asks that Sierra Leone Marathon participants cover their own costs and every participant fundraises a minimum of £1,000 to support the charity’s work. During the trip, you will have the unique opportunity to see the impact of your fundraising and learn from the Street Child teams about our work.
Established in 2008, Street Child is one of the world’s fastest-growing international children’s charities. Street Child works to ensure children are safe, in school and learning even, and especially, in low resource environments and emergencies.
“We work with an expanding network of 95+ local organisations and a focus on the power and purpose of inspirational local level organisations sits at the heart of all we do – and has done so since our first partnership in Sierra Leone in 2008.”
Today Street Child works across 20 countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. See more at street-child.co.uk