Yes, Rwanda is considered one of the safest countries in Africa for travellers. It has a reputation for being peaceful and stable, with low crime rates compared to many other countries. The government places a strong emphasis on security and maintaining a safe environment for both locals and visitors.

For the Rwanda Impact Marathon, we work closely with local teams to ensure your safety throughout the event. Our routes are carefully planned, and we have security measures in place at accommodations and during any project visits. Additionally, there will be medical support available during the race and throughout your stay.

While Rwanda is generally very safe, as with any international trip, we recommend that participants take basic precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings, keeping valuables secure, and following any guidance provided by our team on the ground.

Honest answer: it's hilly, it's warm, and the surfaces are mixed. It's called the Land of a Thousand Hills for a reason. The altitude is enough to add to the challenge, but not so much to require specific preparation. We have cut-offs but they are generous, aid stations come every 3 to 6km, and the 12km makes race day open to almost anyone who trains. We are there to get you to the finish, and we want you to finish, the whole team will do what it takes to keep you going - it's not a normal race, by the time you are lining up on the start, we've spent a week living with you! That hits different when we see you out on the course.

Because almost everything is in it, and because of where the money goes. Your price covers the Kigali arrival night and dinner, five more nights, every meal all week, all in-country transport, race entry, medical cover, project materials, your kit and medal, and ten sponsored local runners. This isn't a budget airline, we include as much as we possibly can. Flights aside, you'll barely reach for your wallet all week - just for the odd beer, glass of wine, or souvenir. And the money stays close: local caterers, local doctors, local medal makers, the ASFA Centre itself. From March 2027, we will publish where it goes because we're proud of where it goes.

Our refund policy is outlined in the registration terms and operates on a sliding scale, based on how close you are to the event start date. Please note that the deposit (25% of the entry price, or the £395 first instalment if you're on a payment plan, whichever applies). The amount that is non-refundable increases within 60 days of the start of the Impact Week. Exact amounts are laid out in our T&Cs.

We also offer a flexible deferral policy:

• Pregnancy deferral: In line with our SheRaces policy, pregnant runners or new mothers are eligible for a two-year deferral.

• Free deferral: Each runner is entitled to one free deferral for injury or other unforeseen circumstances, which can be used for the following year or another Impact Marathon event.

• Additional deferrals: Further deferrals are subject to a £50 admin fee, and any difference in event pricing will apply.

• Group bookings: Separate deferral terms apply for group entries.

All runners are required to have valid travel insurance, which should cover cancellation, injury, and other unforeseen circumstances.

In 2026, our team of 7 Test Pilot Runners raised over £8000 and built the sensory garden that ASFA's patients use every day, so you're joining a model that demonstrably works. For 2027, the team goal will, once more, average around £20,000 for our Phase 2 project, which works out at roughly £1000 per runner. Some people smash through that and much much more, others fight to get there because the money goes directly to the project, and you'll see just how far every single £ goes when placed in the hands of the volunteer-team at MAD4Africa. No rigid individual target, we don't charge you if you don't reach £1000, there's no pressure to be a professional fundraiser. We raise it together, and we support you with ideas and tools the whole way.

No. You don’t need any prior experience in volunteering or charity work to join the Rwanda Impact Marathon. What matters most is an openness to learning, respect for the community you’re visiting, and a genuine interest in the project we’re supporting at the ASFA Centre in southern Rwanda.

To make sure everyone is prepared, all Impact Marathon runners are required to attend mandatory safeguarding webinars in the two months leading up to the event. These sessions provide the context, guidance, and practical training needed to engage responsibly with the community and projects we visit. No previous experience is required — the webinars give you everything you need to take part thoughtfully and confidently.

The Rwanda Impact Marathon is delivered by a team with over 10 years’ experience organising races in challenging environments around the world. Comprehensive risk assessments and safety plans are in place, informed by both practical delivery experience and formal risk management procedures.

On race day, routes are fully marked and supported by marshals, medical staff, and roaming safety vehicles, ensuring runners are never far from assistance. Aid stations are positioned regularly along the course, and the event is closely coordinated with local partners and authorities.

The route is designed to be challenging but safe, focusing on community connection rather than extreme or technical terrain. As with any marathon event, running long distances carries inherent physical demands. All runners are expected to be in good physical condition and are strongly advised to seek medical clearance before taking part.

Yes. Water stations are positioned every 3–6km along the Rwanda Impact Marathon route to ensure regular hydration throughout the race. Aid stations are stocked with water, locally sourced snacks, and are supported by experienced medics and event staff.

In line with our SheRaces policy, women’s sanitary products are also available at aid stations, ensuring all runners are properly supported on race day.

The route is fully marked from start to finish, with clear signage and marshals at key points. All runners will also receive a GPX file in advance, which can be uploaded to your watch or device for additional reassurance.

Runners are well supported throughout the Rwanda Impact Marathon. The route is fully marked, with aid stations every 3–6km providing clean drinking water and locally sourced snacks. Wherever possible, food is sourced from within one mile of the race route, keeping support rooted in the local community.

Experienced medics and trained marshals are positioned along the course, and roaming support vehicles are in constant operation to ensure help is never far away if needed. Whether you require medical assistance, practical support, or simply a bit of encouragement, the team is there to keep you moving safely and confidently from start to finish.

That’s absolutely fine. In fact, it's pretty awesome news. Many runners join  Impact Marathons without having completed a marathon before. The event offers 12km, half marathon (21km), and full marathon (42km) distances, so you can choose a challenge that matches your experience and current fitness.

While some training is essential, you don’t need to be an elite runner to take part. What matters most is a willingness to prepare properly and approach the event with a steady, realistic mindset. The routes are demanding, but the focus is on participation and shared effort rather than finishing times.

Whether this is your first long-distance race or a new step up in your running journey, you’ll be supported throughout — before, during, and after race day.

Yes, non-runners are welcome to join the event for the entirety of Impact Week. Come race day, they will be welcome to roam as spectators, volunteers, or (as has happened many times before), participants because they have been inspired by all the Impact Runners who are the most encouraging and inspiring group of humans!

Every booking sponsors ten local Rwandan runners to race: tee, locally made medal, race-day food and their start line place, covered. Fill all twenty places and two hundred local runners race beside you. After that, local places are paid-for rather than sponsored, so the earlier the race fills, the bigger the local start line.

Simple, clean and right where the work is: you stay at the ASFA Centre itself, not a hotel an hour away. Proper beds, warm water for bucket showers, shared meals, and the community on your doorstep. The team will make you feel completely at home, and you'll be amazed how quickly it feels like home. It is not the Ritz - although if you were expecting that you are probably on the wrong website. However, it is plenty comfortable, and staying on site is precisely what makes the week what it is. We are in the middle of an incredibly rural area, and our facilities are exceptional for the location.

Base Camp (£1,595) is a shared room with shared showers and toilets, the classic Impact way. Summit Camp (£1,895) is a shared ensuite room where you get your own double bed. Same week, same project, same start line whichever you choose. Opening night in Kigali is a hotel, included for everyone - those in Summit Camp get an automatic single room. Base Campers can add the Single Supplement for the first night at checkout.

No!
Actually, you will stay in a lovely 4* hotel on the first night in Kigali, followed by a simple room, with either shared facilities, or ensuite depending on if you choose Base or Summit camp, respectively. 

Yes, we’ll cater to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian and vegan options. Please let us know any specific dietary requirements when registering.

Fly into Kigali International Airport (KGL), arriving Monday 14 June, and book your return for the late afternoon, evening of Sunday 20 June or later. Airport transfers aren't included, but taxis are straightforward, and we'll connect the team beforehand so you can share.

Do not book your flights until we have reached our minimum number of runners. We will confirm this via email as soon as that number is reached.

You should consult your GP or a travel health clinic well in advance of travelling to Rwanda, as vaccination advice can vary depending on your personal medical history. They will be able to advise on recommended vaccinations and any additional health precautions.

All runners are required to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical treatment, emergency evacuation, and participation in endurance events. We’ll also share practical health guidance ahead of the trip, including information on hydration, heat management, and staying well in a rural environment.

Yes. There is some free time built into the week to rest, explore locally, and spend time with the group and community. That said, the core of the experience is centred around the project and shared time on site, rather than ticking off tourist highlights.

If you’d like to explore more of Rwanda, we encourage runners to arrive early or stay on after the main programme. Optional bolt-on experiences, such as gorilla trekking or wildlife safaris, can be arranged after the Impact Marathon week, depending on group interest and logistics.

Rwanda offers visas on arrival for all nationalities, one of the most open policies anywhere. Some nationalities must purchase a visa, other nationalities, such as runners from the United Kingdom are eligible for free visa. Check current requirements for your passport before travel, and we'll include the latest guidance in your pre-trip pack.

June is the start of the long dry season: warm, bright days, cooler evenings in the hills. Great racing weather by any standard, though the sun deserves respect at altitude.

Enough to check in at home, not enough to sit on Slack all week. Local SIMs and eSIMs are cheap and easy in Kigali. Most runners find the half-disconnection is part of the point.

Most Impact runners arrive solo and leave with a group chat that never shuts up. Twenty runners, simple accommodation, one project and a race day will do that. Solo travellers are the backbone of every Impact team.

A proper welcome, then a steady drip of everything you need: training guidance, fundraising tools, kit list, safeguarding webinars (mandatory, two months out, and genuinely useful), flight and visa guidance, and a team channel so you know everyone before you land. Two days after booking, we'll also send you the mountain gorilla extension details.

Fair question, and one we'd rather you asked than didn't. The difference is who leads. The projects are chosen and led by the community and our long-term local partners, we fund them properly, we build alongside rather than instead of, and every runner completes safeguarding training before travelling. We've been doing this for eleven years, and we go back: the relationship doesn't end when the race does. You'll see the 2026 garden in use the day you arrive.

We have a few options based on time and budget - from heading up to Uganda to enjoy safari and gorillas, to staying in Rwanda for both those incredible experiences, to just getting to see the gorillas in Rwanda. All options are available. If there is a specific activity, or perhaps accommodation you have your eye on - let us know, we can always craft something bespoke for you.

There is now. The Rwanda Impact Ultramarathon is a 55km ultra through the hills of Nyaruguru in southern Rwanda: two loops, 1,964m of climbing, a high point of 2,391m, and a finish line at the heart of the community project the race supports. It runs in June 2027 as part of Impact Marathon week, the first ultra in our eleven-year history.