Run in the footsteps of champions
This ordinary farming town perched on the slopes of an extinct volcano produces extraordinary athletes. Olympic, World and Commonwealth champions live and train alongside you.
Join us in East Africa's best kept secret, the running mecca that is Kapchorwa. Train at high-altitude on Mount Elgon amongst Ugandan champion runners, enjoy a warm welcome from the community and discover the unique Sebei culture.
Run Kapchorwa with us
Residential Running Camps
Training for a big race or seeking a memorable running experience? Choose Uganda’s Land of Champions for your residential running camp!
Stay at our secure training base situated at 2000m above sea level in the community of Barawa, Kapchorwa. Located at the premier guesthouse in the region with a 9+ rating on Booking.com, all rooms have comfortable beds, mosquito nets and hot showers. We have an on-site restaurant & bar, WiFi and a campfire.
Join talented young athletes from our athlete development programme on their daily sessions
Coached running sessions available for all abilities
Strength & conditioning and stretching sessions
Go long into Mount Elgon’s hills on a run with a local guide
Experience talks from local coaches and athletes
Contact us today to organise your bespoke individual, group or running club training camp.
Guided Runs
Only in the region for a brief visit? Explore the trails of Mount Elgon deeper in just a couple of hours during a guided run with one of our local running guides.
Run the same training routes as Uganda’s elite endurance runners and World champions
Climb ‘Champions Hill’, dodge cows and see the imposing shape of Mount Kadam across the plains (pictured)
Venture out into rural villages, crossing rivers and passing waterfalls
Take on the challenge of a run to the High Altitude Training Centre at almost 2600m a.s.l.
1 - 3 hour running experience depending on runner level and route choice
From $20 pp
A trail for everyone…
From short loops that help you acclimatise to the terrain and altitude to epic climbs and multi-hour escapes deep into the villages that perch on the slopes of Mount Elgon.
You can get lost on the red dirt trails and incredible nature day after day.
There is a trail for every runner in Kapchorwa.
Seeing is Believing…
Don’t just take our word for it. Check out the experiences of runners from all over the world who have visited Kapchorwa for unforgettable running adventures!
Our Favourite Local Trails
‘Champions Trail’
Often the first trail that new visitors to Kapchorwa run. A relatively friendly, gradual upward slope takes you beyond 2000m and to some great views across the plains. A great sunset run (or hike!). Can also be combined with adjoining trails to make a longer run up to the trading centre at 2050m.
Distance: 5.3km
Elevation Gain: 89m
Max Altitude: 2029m
‘Climb to the Forest’
A staple weekly run for Kapchorwa’s elite runners. Climbing from your very first step out, all the way up to the forest at 2300m. One for the more experienced runner with a vertical climb of almost 400 metres but worth the big effort for the magnificent forest view. Can be shortened to 10km as an ‘out and back’ route.
Distance: 12.9km
Elevation Gain: 360m
Max Altitude: 2250m
‘Waterfall Loop’
A pleasant undulating route, the middle of which is suitable for some strides or tempo running (a rarity in this mountainous area!). The section of pines, river crossing and waterfall is particularly impressive in rainy season and feels distinctly alpine. Can be shortened to 6.5km as an ‘out and back’ route.
Distance: 11.6km
Elevation Gain: 209m
Max Altitude: 2051m
‘The Up’
The big one. Running the new road all the way to the High Altitude Training Center site in the sky at Teryet (still under construction). With 100 metres of elevation gain for every mile run, this is a decent challenge for any runner. Perhaps even for those familiar with mountain and fell running.
Distance: 10km
Elevation Gain: 603m
Max Altitude: 2575m
‘Villages & Rivers’
An opportunity to venture further into the surrounding countryside and pass through small farming communities before a tough climb on the tarmac highway back up to Kapchorwa Town. Takes you up to 2100m above sea level. Can also be run as a shorter ‘out and back’ route of 11km to avoid the road section.
Distance: 16.2km
Elevation Gain: 349m
Max Altitude: 2080m