Uganda Marathon Ultra is a 50km ultra marathon in Masaka, Uganda. Distance: 50km. Elevation: 1,200m D+. Difficulty: moderate (Challenge Rating 28/100). DNF rate: 5%. Time limit: 10h. Surface: trail. Established 2015.

50km moderate hilly trail community scenic

Uganda Marathon Ultra

Masaka, Central, Uganda

"50km through Uganda's red-earth hills. Lake Victoria and rural villages."

Moderate

Distance 50km

Elevation Gain ↑1,200m

Surface trail

DNF Rate 5%

Cutoff 10h

What Makes It Unique

A community-focused 50K through central Uganda's red-earth hills.

The Course

A multi-event running festival in the rural highlands near Masaka, Uganda. The ultra distance traverses rolling hills covered in banana plantations, cassava fields, and red laterite roads that turn to clay in the rain. The terrain is relentlessly undulating — Uganda's "Switzerland of Africa" nickname reflects the constant rise and fall of the landscape. Villages along the route provide the most enthusiastic crowd support in African running: children sprinting alongside runners, entire communities cheering from the roadside, and the distinctive energy of East African running culture permeating every kilometre.

Profile

hilly

Topology

loop

Aid Stations

No Crew Access

No Pacers

No Mandatory Gear

Runner Experience

Scenery 4/5

Organization 3/5

Community 5/5

Aid Stations

Standard aid station support with food, drinks, and basic medical assistance at regular intervals.

Post-Race Culture

Warm, inclusive finish line with a strong community feel. Runners celebrate together regardless of finish time.

✓ Beginner Friendly

Race Day Weather

Temperature

22°C

16° – 28°

Humidity

70%

Rain Chance

20%

Conditions

Ugandan dry season — warm with occasional showers.

Stats & Records

Established

2015

Finishers

150

Avg Finish

06:30:00

Entry

Entry Cost

USD 100

Opens

January

Sells Out

months

Max Starters: 200

Official Website →

Lore & Trivia

The Uganda Marathon Ultra runs through the rural highlands near Masaka — a landscape of terraced hills, banana plantations, and red laterite roads where the running community is enthusiastic and the terrain is relentlessly hilly. The race was created to support local communities through running tourism, and the cultural exchange between international runners and Ugandan villages is the heart of the experience.

▸ The race raises funds for local community projects in Masaka.
▸ Red laterite earth gives the trails their distinctive colour.
▸ Uganda sits on the equator — roughly equal daylight hours year-round.
▸ Established in 2015.
▸ Total elevation gain: 1200m.

Running in Uganda — red laterite roads, banana plantations, and children sprinting alongside you barefoot and laughing.

— A Uganda Ultra runner

Notable Editions

2022

Community Impact Record

The 2022 edition raised a record amount for local community projects, cementing the race's dual identity as both an athletic event and a development initiative. Runners returned home with race medals and relationships with Ugandan families.