Best running destinations in Africa
Best running destinations in Africa
Well-mapped urban park systems and clear wilderness trail routes in Africa
One East African town, sitting at high altitude, has produced a disproportionate number of the world's best distance runners, drawing serious athletes specifically to train at altitude rather than to race. A major ultramarathon further south adds a different kind of running heritage.
The destinations on this list range from high-altitude training towns with a genuine running culture built into daily life to major organised races with decades of competitive history. Both attract runners for very different reasons.
Allowing time to acclimatise before training at altitude matters considerably, where altitude affects performance more than visiting runners often expect. Local running clubs welcome visiting athletes for training sessions. Packing light, breathable running gear also matters considerably given the warm daytime temperatures.
Lists by region
City in Ethiopia
Addis Ababa
Vibrant capital where history meets modernity
The Great Ethiopian Run is a 10 kilometre race that drew more than 45,000 runners in 2023. Olympic champion Haile Gebrselassie helped create it in 2000. The city is at 2,355 metres, the highest capital in Africa, so the air is thin. The Entoto Mountains above town reach over 3,000 metres.
City in Kenya
Nairobi
Where urban life meets wild adventures
Early morning is a good time to run in Karura Forest in northern Nairobi. Trails pass waterfalls and caves. More than 200 bird species live there. Monkeys and bushbucks may cross the path. The city is 1,795 metres above sea level. The Ulinzi Sports Complex opened in 2022 with an 8 lane track.
City in South Africa
Cape Town
Mountains, Beaches and a Vibrant Culture
The Two Oceans Marathon began in 1970 and now runs in April. Its 56 kilometre ultramarathon starts in Newlands and climbs over Chapman's Peak and Constantia Nek. It finishes at the University of Cape Town. The half marathon the next day is the biggest in South Africa.
National Park in Tanzania
Kilimanjaro National Park
Africa's Rooftop Adventure
Kilimanjaro is higher than any other mountain in Africa at 5,895 metres. Each year the Kilimanjaro Marathon runs through its foothills. The race began in 2003 and starts and finishes around the MoCu stadium in Moshi. It is held in February or March. Some stretches climb uphill with local supporters along the way.
City in Morocco
Marrakech
A vibrant maze of colors and spices
The High Atlas Mountains rise south of the city and are often snowcapped in winter. Late January is when the Marrakech Marathon takes place, as it has since 1987. The women's winner that first year was only 14 years old. The men's course record is about 2 hours 6 minutes.
City in Rwanda
Kigali
Vibrant capital blending tradition and modernity
Cool air keeps runs comfortable here, with daily temperatures from about 15 to 27 degrees Celsius. Rolling hills fill the city, which has been ranked the cleanest in Africa. The Kigali International Peace Marathon began in 2005 and is held in May or June. Its course starts and finishes by BK Arena.
Town in Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls
The Smoke That Thunders
Locals call the falls Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means the smoke that thunders. The Victoria Falls Marathon runs in early July. It starts with a steep drop towards the historic iron bridge. Then it follows the Zambezi River through a national park. Armed game rangers stand at intervals along the wilderness stretches.
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