Kepler Marathon Team
Hi Runners and Friends of Nyungwe,
You have heard it, you have actually participated -and now it is on again. Like we do each year, we are very excited to invite you to the sixth annual Nyungwe Marathon in Rwanda on Saturday March 11, 2017!
Nyungwe Forest is the perfect place to run. It is quiet, green, and intensely beautiful. Your participation has made this an amazing event every year. Thank You! We really hope you can join us again. And thank you to RDB and the Rwanda National Olympic Committee for your continual support of this event.
*RSVP - If you are planning to attend in any capacity (runner, volunteer, or cheerleader) please RSVP by February 15, 2017 using the link below (30 seconds only). This is important so we can plan for enough water, beer, and support vehicles.
Questions - check out notes below, or feel free to email me directly with any questions. Further "Race Instructions" will be sent out at end of February.
In the name of Kepler community - I would strongly recommene that everyone willing to join in the running to reach out to me so we can plan accordingly on what will be the requirements, and we can make it feasible.
Thanks,
Everest and the Nyungwe Runners Team
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Nyungwe Marathon FAQ
What is Nyungwe Marathon?
Nyungwe is not like other marathons. We don’t have a website or sponsors or staff. Race information is scare and invitations go out in one email per year (this one) and word of mouth. We don’t use traditional bib numbers and timing chips because that stuff is just a distraction from the magic of Nyungwe Park. We purposefully keep things simple to focus on: the running, the people, and the forest. These are what makes this event special.
Can I invite friends?
Absolutely. Please forward, but ask them to RSVP online (link above).
Are there any registration fees?
Not exactly
PWYW (Pay What You Want) After the race you can pay what you thought the race was worth. We’ll have two means of collecting funds: at the teeshirt stand at the finish line party.
We host this race for the love of Nyungwe and Running…not to make ends meet. Totally cool by us to enjoy a free event in a beautiful place…there should be more of these in life.
What about teeshirts?
Nyungwe Runner teeshirts will be available at the finish line for 5,000 F/each.
Because we love it when people stretch their human potential….if you run further than you’ve ever run before at Nyungwe and we’ll congratulate you with a free teeshirt.
Free teeshirts for volunteers who run aid stations or drive aid trucks as well!!
Where can I stay? These are two good options near the finish line.
Gisakura Guest House http://www.gisakuraguesthouse.com
Nyungwe Hotel http://nyungwehotel.com
Nyungwe Forest Lodge - unfortunately closed for renovations this year.
Kamembe is 20 minutes from finish line and has additional lodging options.
What about the *afterparty*?
Finish Line Party - this year we will be doing all our celebrating at the finish line which will be about 300m further up the road at the Nyungwe Visitors center. Beer, BBQ, and Teeshirt Awards for those who have run further than ever before while we cheer on each runner who finishes. (Nyungwe Lodge is closed renovations, so no fancy-pants cocktail this year)
How do I get to the starting line?
We strongly recommend self-drive and carpooling. Please note this is an A to B race, so you’ll need to arrange how to get your vehicle from start line to finish line.
Buses are possible because the start line is on the main road. Huye to Kamembe buses leave early enough to make start. Traveling from Kigali on Saturday will be difficult to make the start of the Half (early bus is at 6am and it’s a 4-5 hour drive).
Please email us if you'd like help in figuring out a car share to/from Nyungwe. We're happy to help sort this out particularly for out of country guests.
How much support and water is provided?
There will be water and snack stops set up approximately every 5-7 miles.
There will be a sweeper truck following the last runner.
We will have emergency contacts on call for nearby hospitals.
What does the course look like?
It’s beautiful rolling hills and entirely within the borders of Nyungwe Forest. The course follows the main road. The Half and Half Half are largely downhill. The Double Double and Full have significant climbs. (full race profile is available and will be sent out with Race Instructions).
