THE SIERRA LEONE MARATHON & CYCLE CHALLENGE 2024

The Sierra Leone Marathon will take place over the first May bank holiday with 3 night packages available between Friday 3rd May – Monday 6th May 2024 and a 5 night package between Wednesday 1st May – Monday 6th May 2024. Beach Add Ons are available on Monday 6th May and Tuesday 7th May 2024.

Terms and conditions can be found here

All distances (whether the marathon, half marathon, 10k or 5k, cycling challenge or duathlon) will take place around a city called Makeni, the economic centre of northern Sierra Leone and the capital of Bombali District. It lies about 120 miles east (a 2-3 hour drive) of Freetown.

Races will start early to avoid the worst of the sun, usually around 6am.

The Sierra Leone Marathon takes place on some seriously stunning routes, with a mixture of epic trails down hard-packed mud roads and gentle glides along the tarmac roads passing through the neighbouring villages. You will explore parts of Sierra Leone that not many other people get to see, including the jungles surrounding Makeni and the vibrant backstreets leading to the finish line.

You can register for the Sierra Leone Marathon 2024 here.

An experienced team of Street Child’s UK and local staff will be organising the event along with other volunteers from UK and Sierra Leone.

We ask participants to check and understand any travel restrictions or COVID-19 requirements from their country of residence. Street Child are happy to provide support on this. Please see the UK governments advice on travelling to Sierra Leone here. Street Child staff in Sierra Leone will provide guidance on the local COVID-19 rules when in Sierra Leone

• Regular water stations (some with re-hydration sachets/food/drinks)

• Fixed and mobile medical support

• Sports marshals and Street child staff cheering you on

• Live music at certain points

Other than covering your costs to take part, we ask that you raise as much as you can! We ask every participant to commit to fundraising a minimum of £1,000 per person. 

Street Child's experienced fundraising team and mentors will work with each participant to ensure they reach, and go beyond this target. Part of participants’ experience will be seeing where their money will be going and meeting some of the children we have already helped.

The cost of your package covers the cost of your accommodation, transport, food and race costs. The charity does not make a profit on your package.

Yes, flights are available. Participants will receive information on flights and travel. Please contact our team at slmarathon@street-child.org for further advice on booking your flights.

This event is first and foremost about raising money for our critical work with vulnerable children. If you think you could raise a great amount of money we really want you there, no matter what! Contact us to discuss this option further.

All in-country transport is provided. This includes transport to and from the airport in Sierra Leone.

Unless you have a West African (ECOWAS) passport, you will need a visa to enter Sierra Leone. Itis best to apply as early as possible. Unless you are returning to Sierra Leone, it is best to apply fora single-entry visa which costs $80. Please follow this link to apply: Sierra Leone E Visa 

Please note that the landing visa you will receive is valid for entry anytime within 3 months and for stays of up to 1 month. You can apply for extensions, multiple-entry and business visas whenin Freetown or through the relevant High Commission or Embassy. Sierra Leone Immigration eVisa Website

Travel Requirements

See a travel nurse and doctor at least 6-8 weeks before travel. You should visit your local GP for advice if necessary. 

Unless you traveled recently to a similar destination, it is almost certain you will need a few vaccinations. Two absolute must-haves are a vaccination certificate for yellow fever which is required for entry into the country and anti-malarial medication. 

Please bring your yellow fever certificate with you to Sierra Leone. 

Please see the previous question regarding COVID-19, for further info on COVID-19 travel requirements.

This is the responsibility of every individual participant. Make sure you are covered for sporting events of this nature and that it covers Sierra Leone. We ask that you make sure you are personally covered for your trip and will not allow you to take part in the event without travel insurance. 

Bring cash. Sterling notes are easily changed, as are dollars. Credit card use in Sierra Leone is very limited, and it is worth bringing a credit/debit card strictly as a back-up only (the banks in Makeni have chip and pin machines for emergency withdrawals).

Big denominations of cash get better rates - but avoid pre-2006 series Dollars as they are rejected by many businesses and some banks.

We offer a range of travel packages from local guesthouses to hotels depending on your preferences. Packages (non-inclusive of flights and visa) include all meals, in-country travel, race entry and medical support. 

• Torch and batteries

• Umbrella and a rain coat

• Mosquito repellent with 50% DEET

• Favourite food and snacks

• Anti bacteria hand gel 

• Face coverings

• Printed proof of all COVID-19 vaccinations and any other essential documents 

• Mosquito net (a double one is recommended as there are few single beds) and a sleeping bag liner

• Swimming costume/shorts

• Towel

• An old unlocked mobile phone - so you can buy a Sierra Leone sim and use the top up cards out here (considerably cheaper than using your UK phone)

• Rehydration Salt (Dioralyte)

• Immodium - your digestive system is likely to be a bit unsettled, prepare in advance!

• Insect bite cream

• Antiseptic cream and plasters

• Cards, games, activities for the evenings (electricity is not guaranteed)

• Money belt (not essential but a good idea)