The 4th edition of Run for the Nile 2026 returns on Friday, 28th March 2026 at the iconic Jinja Rugby Grounds.
Organised by the Rotary Club of Jinja in partnership with Rotary Clubs of Kampala Central, Jinja City, Source of the Nile and more, this eco-marathon is more than just a race, it is a powerful movement to protect the source of the River Nile.
Lake Victoria, the world’s second-largest freshwater lake and the true birthplace of the Nile, faces a serious threat from the invasive water hyacinth.
First spotted in Ugandan waters in the 1980s, the plant exploded to cover 2,000 hectares by 1998, choking navigation routes, raising phosphate levels, and depleting oxygen in the water.
Past editions of Run for the Nile have already made a difference through community awareness and biological control using weevils, now it’s your turn to lace up and help finish the job.
What to Expect at Run for the Nile 2026
– Distances: Choose from 5 km, 10 km, or 21 km (half-marathon) categories – perfect for beginners, fitness enthusiasts, and seasoned runners alike.
– Expected turnout: Over 15,000 participants from across Uganda and beyond.
– Theme: “Nature is Calling Us” – a rallying cry for sustainable conservation.
– Highlight: An interactive quiz on the event poster that tests your knowledge of invasive species (spoiler: water hyacinth is the correct answer!).
The event not only raises awareness about plastic pollution and lake restoration but also supports tree planting and nurseries across Uganda.
Every step you take directly contributes to cleaner waters and a healthier Nile Basin.
How Participants Can Book Their Tickets
Registration is free and straightforward:
- Visit the official EventPesa page: https://eventpesa.com/event/run-for-the-nile-2026-3i7rcncvge
- Click “Grab Your Ticket(s) Now”
- Select your category (ROTARIAN, ROTARACT, ORG, or GUEST)
- Enter your phone number and choose your vest size (S–4XL)
- Optionally purchase the official running kit for just UGX 30,000
Prefer the phone route? Call the mobilisation team directly on 0773879139 or 0752879139 for instant registration and inquiries. Spots are filling fast – secure yours today!
Combine Your Run with Unforgettable Park Tours from Kampala or Entebbe
Jinja is only 80 km (about 2 hours’ drive) from Kampala and easily reachable from Entebbe International Airport.
Why stop at the finish line? Turn your marathon weekend into a full responsible travel adventure.
Responsible Tourism Company specialises in park tours from Kampala and park tours from Entebbe that pair perfectly with Run for the Nile:
– Morning run in Jinja – afternoon Nile cruise at the Source of the Nile
– Extend to Murchison Falls National Park or Queen Elizabeth National Park for gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and game drives
– All tours use eco-friendly vehicles, support local communities, and follow strict “leave no trace” guidelines
Ready to run for the Nile and explore Uganda responsibly? Book your complete package today with Responsible Tourism Company Ltd, the leader in sustainable park tours from Kampala and Entebbe.
Whether you need airport transfers, marathon-day logistics, or a multi-day wildlife safari, our team will craft a personalised, low-impact itinerary.
Contact us now via our website or WhatsApp +256 704023485 to lock in your spot before 28th March 2026.
Let’s run, restore, and rediscover Uganda together. Nature is calling, will you answer?
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