Run. Race. Recover. Reward.
Imagine crossing the finish line beneath Mount Kilimanjaro, running beside one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World or taking on a marathon through a Kenyan wildlife conservancy.
Run Wild brings together some of Africa’s most extraordinary running events with thoughtfully designed travel before and after the race.
You choose the challenge. We take care of the journey around it.
Whether you are chasing a personal best, tackling your first marathon or supporting someone from the sidelines, we create a seamless African adventure for runners, families and cheer squads.
Run your race. We’ll handle the rest!
Why Run Wild?
Planning an international race involves far more than booking a flight and finding a hotel.
You need to arrive early enough to acclimatise, stay somewhere that understands the needs of runners and have reliable arrangements for registration, race day and recovery. Then there is the opportunity to experience Africa properly while you are there.
Our Run Wild journeys can include:
- Runner-friendly accommodation and race-day logistics
- Time to acclimatise, taper and prepare
- Travel arrangements for partners, families and supporters
- A private or small-group safari before or after the race
- Beach, wellness and recovery stays
- Expert support from people who understand both running and Africa
Every journey is individually designed around your race, your recovery and the way you want to travel.
Born from a very personal story
Running has always been part of who I am.
Although I now call Australia home, Africa is in my blood. I spent years exploring the continent as a guide and tour leader and have taken on races including the legendary Comrades Marathon, Berlin, London, Chicago, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
I understand the commitment it takes to reach a start line: the early mornings, the sacrifices, the setbacks and the enormous sense of achievement when everything comes together.
Africa is home to some of the most challenging, uplifting and spectacular running events in the world. Yet many runners do not realise what is possible here.
That is why we created Run Wild: to help runners experience these extraordinary events while turning race day into part of a much bigger African story.
Jonathon Wilson
Co-Founder and Managing Director
Encompass Africa
Jono, right, with his running partner after collecting their race numbers for the 50th Berlin Marathon in 2024.
Find your African finish line
Kilimanjaro Marathon, Tanzania
Run through the lively town of Moshi and the surrounding countryside beneath Africa’s highest mountain. Combine the race with a safari through Tanzania’s legendary northern circuit, a Kilimanjaro climb or time to recover on Zanzibar.
Scheduled for Sunday 7 February 2027, subject to final organiser confirmation.
Kilimanjaro MarathonComrades Marathon, South Africa
The Ultimate Human Race is one of the world’s most celebrated ultramarathons. In 2027, Comrades marks its historic 100th edition with a Down Run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.
Sunday 13 June, celebrating 100 years with 30,000 + runners expected!
ComradesLewa Safari Marathon, Kenya
A remarkable conservation event run through the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Expect dirt roads, sweeping savannah and the possibility of wildlife beyond the course, all while raising funds for conservation and neighbouring communities. There are four race categories: full and half marathon, executive 10km and the children’s 5km race.
2027 date will be announced in due course.
Lewa MarathonVictoria Falls Marathon, Zimbabwe
Cross the Victoria Falls Bridge and run within sight of the spray from one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Afterwards, recover beside the Zambezi or continue into Botswana, Zambia or Zimbabwe on safari.
The next Marathon is on Sunday 4 July 2027 and categories include the full and half marathon, the 21 kilometre half marathon relay (two runners combining 10.5km each to complete a 21 kilometre race) and a 7 kilometre fun run.
Victoria Falls MarathonSanlam Cape Town Marathon, South Africa
From 2027, Cape Town becomes Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Major. Run through one of the world’s most beautiful cities, then celebrate in the Cape Winelands, unwind beside the ocean or head into the wilderness on safari.
Festival events run 22 – 23 May 2027, race day being on Sunday 23rd. . It becomes Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Major in 2027.
Cape Town MarathonNot ready for the full marathon?
You do not need to be an ultramarathoner or even a marathon runner to be part of Run Wild.
Many events offer half-marathons, ten-kilometre races, fun runs and supporter experiences. We can design the journey around the distance that feels right for you.
Beyond the finish line
Race day may be the reason you travel, but it does not have to be the whole story.
Track wildlife across the Serengeti. Recover beside the Indian Ocean. Explore Cape Town and the Winelands. Watch elephants beside the Zambezi or extend your journey into Botswana’s Okavango Delta.
This is your opportunity to celebrate everything it took to reach the finish line, and experience Africa while you are there.
Ready to run wild?
Here’s the dates for the 2027 races; we hope something captures your attention!
Kilimanjaro Marathon scheduled for Sunday 7 February 2027 subject to final organiser confirmation.
Comrades Marathon Sunday 13 June 2027, celebrating 100 years with estimated 30,000 runners.
Lewa Safari Marathon expected in late June 2027, date to be confirmed and announced.
Victoria Falls Marathon scheduled for Sunday 4 July 2027.
Cape Town Marathon scheduled for Sunday 23 May 2027.