Name: Sierra Leone Marathon & Cycle Challenge 2026
Start: 2026-10-21T00:00:00.000Z
End: 2026-10-26T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Makeni, Sierra Leone

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Join us in Sierra Leone over the October half term holidays for an epic adventure, all in aid of Street Child.This is your opportunity to see Street Child's work on the ground, meet the staff and find out more how they are ensuring that children in Sierra Leone are safe, in school and learning.Choose to run or cycle off the beaten track, discovering the beauty that Sierra Leone has to offer. Winding through tropical jungle and local villages, the varied routes will showcase some of the most stunning scenery that Northern Sierra Leone has to offer. From our full and half marathon course to a 10km or 5km option, there is something for all running abilities. Plus the incredible 75km cycle ride for those of you who want to take on a different type of challenge. Regardless of the distance you complete, each race will provide you with a unique perspective on this beautiful country, as well as a challenge for body and mind.This trip is so much more than just an awesome event. You will have the opportunity to explore Northern Sierra Leone with like-minded individuals, attend workshops and discover more about Street Child's work. Your epic racing adventure will begin at dawn, starting and finishing at Wusum stadium in Makeni, where you will receive a hand-carved medal!After a well-deserved rest that evening, you then have the option to take a triumphant flight home or continue your journey to one of Sierra Leone’s tropical beaches. Here, you can spend time relaxing or take the opportunity to get to know your fellow heroes from around the world.However you design your trip, one thing is certain: the Sierra Leone Marathon &amp; Cycle Challenge will provide the adventure you are looking for.

Makeni, Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone Marathon & Cycle Challenge 2026

Street Child

Airport Transfer

Transport (in-country)

Accommodation

Project Visits

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Drinking Water

Race Entry

Race Shirt & Medal

Medical Team Support

Flights

Visa

Sierra Leone Airport Tax

Travel Insurance

Vaccinations

A simple, yet beautiful resort overlooking the beach, the ideal way to relax and recharge on the evening of Monday 26th October- including a beach party.  If you require extra nights, please select the relevant number of nights and a member of the SLM team will confirm your travel plans with you.

Tokeh Beach - Standard - 1 night

A premium beach resort with fantastic facilities, the perfect way to relax and recharge on the evening of Monday 26th October- including a beach party. If you require extra nights, please select the relevant number of nights and a member of the SLM team will confirm your travel plans with you.

Tokeh Beach - Premium-  1 night

If you need to stay at the airport hotel (before or after) the SLM package - please select the number of nights required and state the date required, along with other guest names in the notes to organiser section - or contact us direct. Please note that this add on option needs to be booked in advance to ensure availability and is based on two people sharing a room with a double bed.

Lungi Airport Hotel

If you would like to upgrade and have access to a 4x4 for the duration of your trip, shared with other passengers. By selecting this add on you will have your own private vehicle to shuttle you and 3 other passengers to/from the airport, around Makeni and for the rural school visits. This is a much more comfortable and convenient way of traveling around Sierra Leone. Price per person - only available for designated journeys as part of the SLM itinerary.

Transport Upgrade

Street Child works with local organisations to ensure every child has access to an education.

Basic - 5 nights Wednesday 21st October until Monday 26th October 2026 All transport, catering and accommodation included for 5 nights - including breakfast, lunch and dinner plus airport transfers (set times) The accommodation is a basic and simple style room with private bathroom and a mosquito net will be provided.   Electricity supply is limited.   There is water for washing but running water may be limited. No WIFI.  Breakfast will be provided and drinking water is provided throughout your stay.

SLM26 - Basic - 5 nights

Standard - 5 nights Wednesday 21st October until Monday 26th October 2026 All transport, catering and accommodation included for 5 nights - including breakfast, lunch and dinner plus airport transfers (set times)  The accommodation is a simple room with private bathroom.  There is electricity, running water and air conditioning (subject to there being no supply issues in the hotel).   Breakfast provided by the hotel and drinking water is provided throughout your stay.

SLM26 - Standard - 5 nights

Premium - 5 nights Wednesday 21st October until Monday 26th October 2026 All transport, catering and accommodation included for 5 nights - including breakfast, lunch and dinner plus airport transfers (set times)  The accommodation is a comfortable room with private bathroom. There is electricity, running water and air conditioning (subject to there being no supply issues).   The hotel has a pool and bar to relax in during down-time.    Breakfast provided by the hotel and drinking water is provided throughout your stay.  The premium package is the most comfortable package option.

SLM26 - Premium - 5 nights

Premium - 3 nights Friday 23rd October until Monday 26th October 2026 All transport, catering and accommodation included for 3 nights - including breakfast, lunch and dinner plus airport transfers (set times)  The accommodation is a comfortable room with private bathroom.   There is electricity, running water and air conditioning (subject to there being no supply issues).  The hotel has a pool and bar to relax in during down-time.   Breakfast provided by the hotel and drinking water is provided throughout your stay.  The premium package is the most comfortable package option. This is a shortened itinerary with only one day of project visits included and little time to rest - we highly recommend the 5 night package if you wish to gain a better understanding of Street Child's work and explore Sierra Leone more.

SLM26 - Premium - 3 nights

Join us in Sierra Leone over the October half term holidays for an epic adventure, all in aid of Street Child. This is your opportunity to see Street Child's work on the ground, meet the staff and find out more how they are ensuring that children in Sierra Leone are safe, in school and learning. Choose to run or cycle off the beaten track, discovering the beauty that Sierra Leone has to offer. Winding through tropical jungle and local villages, the varied routes will showcase some of the most stunning scenery that Northern Sierra Leone has to offer.  From our full and half marathon course to a 10km or 5km option, there is something for all running abilities. Plus the incredible 75km cycle ride for those of you who want to take on a different type of challenge.  Regardless of the distance you complete, each race will provide you with a unique perspective on this beautiful country, as well as a challenge for body and mind. This trip is so much more than just an awesome event. You will have the opportunity to explore Northern Sierra Leone with like-minded individuals, attend workshops and discover more about Street Child's work.  Your epic racing adventure will begin at dawn, starting and finishing at Wusum stadium in Makeni, where you will receive a hand-carved medal! After a well-deserved rest that evening, you then have the option to take a triumphant flight home or continue your journey to one of Sierra Leone’s tropical beaches.  Here, you can spend time relaxing or take the opportunity to get to know your fellow heroes from around the world. However you design your trip, one thing is certain: the Sierra Leone Marathon &amp; Cycle Challenge will provide the adventure you are looking for.

About this trip

Street Child Craft Half 2025

Another great Street Child event. Well organised and so much fun. Would really recommend the Craft Half - a day of trail running and beer with your mates! Thanks to SC team, lots of happy faces and good vibes :)

The Street Child Craft Half was a lovely day doing something worthwhile - grassroots running in a vibrant, caring community.  Thank you.

It was a really fun race, nice route, well organised, everybody was very friendly and the beers were refreshing

The Berlin Marathon was a wonderful experience. It was great working along side and raising funds for Street Child

Run the Berlin Marathon for Street Child

Run the Sydney Marathon 2025 for Street Child

Unforgettable Safari with Migration Tanzania Safari! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

We had the most incredible experience with Migration Tanzania Safari, all thanks to our amazing guide, Malaki. From the very start, it was clear how passionate and dedicated he is to providing a top-notch safari experience.

Malaki worked tirelessly to make sure we saw the Big Five and so much more. His deep knowledge of the wildlife, the landscape, and even the lodges made every part of our journey feel smooth, safe, and exciting. You can tell he truly cares—he's incredibly motivated to give you the best experience possible.

Every game drive felt like an adventure, and Malaki's sharp eye and understanding of animal behavior made sure we were always in the right place at the right time. He went above and beyond to ensure we were comfortable, informed, and having fun every step of the way.

If you're thinking about going on safari in Tanzania, I can't recommend Migration Tanzania Safari enough. Ask for Malaki—you’ll be in the best hands for an unforgettable journey!

Sierra Leone Marathon & Cycle Challenge 2025

This will definitely go down as one of my best memories. It was an absolute privilege to be part of the SL Marathon 2025! For me, this trip has been 10 years in the making and the experience did not disappoint!! 
From the moment of signing up and speaking with Mark who took the time to go through my questions and explain how it all worked, to the very informative zoom meetings, right up to being in country - every part of the trip was well organised and well planned. All the staff were friendly and helpful, always with smiles on their faces and they really took the time to get to know each of us personally throughout the week and genuinely cared about the value we had to bring. I was able to experience the culture of Sierra Leone and embrace all that the city of Makeni had to offer - through the market visits and exploring. The mangos are divine!!! Visiting the schools and the local businesses the charity supports were the biggest highlights for me! It was good to see the projects up close and personal and see exactly where our money was being invested. It was also good to be able to speak to the locals ourselves and ask them how they found the support from Street Child, as well as have a full break down to how it all worked from the staff on the ground. And then of course - marathon day. Having never done anything like this, the encouragement and support alone from the Street Child team, and friends I made on the trip, did it for me, and in fact was the very thing that carried me over the finish line. Also knowing that the medical team were very present, engaged, and always on standby put my mind at ease. I would HIGHLY recommend this experience - if you haven't signed up already, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!! And if you were in two minds and looking for a sign as to whether you should or shouldn't, then THIS IS YOUR SIGN. Such a rewarding experience and opportunity to not only physically (and mentally!) challenge yourself, but support the development of the beautiful and growing community of Makeni through your fundraising efforts. You can rest assured that the charity are putting their money where their mouth is and serving the Street Children of Sierra Leone well. Having worked for many international development charities myself, this was something I really needed to see and believe for myself, and I am glad the charity did not disappoint.

What a great way to see rural Sierra Leone! And the team behind the challenge in and out of the country are incredible enthusiastic, friendly, and supportive. I've been on a lot of travel adventures, and this one was hands-down the most well organised.

The SLM 2025 event was  amazing.  From the moment of pick up at Lungi Airport through to departing to return to the UK we were all looked after and made to feel incredibly welcome.  Visiting the projects to see how the fundraising money was spent was good fun,  humbling while very interesting and the marathon itself with its epic landscape was something else!
If anyone was giving thought to doing SLM 2026 I would say do it! 

In one word: amazing. Street Child does an amazing job on the ground and the work they and the local staff are doing is amazing. Everything during the trip is very very well organized: from medics during the trip, to good food, to clear communication and real, genuine staff. Thank you so much!

What an amazing trip! Truly one of the most eye opening and unique travel experiences of my life, and wouldnt have happened without the incredible support and organisation from the Street Child team. The team were kind, friendly and extremely hard working, made everyone feel very motivated and safe the entire week.

Honestly, had the best experience! It was very lovely. The people were kind and welcoming, the accommodation was actually cosy with everyone close to each other and all the activities were great. Loved every bit of it. Super well organized and really got to see what Street Child is all about. Would go again any time

Wow what an amazing experience ! 
I would highly recommend you take the leap and go and experience first hand the wonderful work Street Child do in Sierra Leone. 
From  the minute we stepped off the plane to the last day at the beach we were throughly looked after and shown what a difference they are making. 
Seeing first hand how the money is being spent and the impact it is having. To watching the children learning and listening to the chief of the small village being so grateful for what they have. The race or event as we like to call it was the small piece of this amazing time. 
It was an experience that will stay with me forever and has left me wondering how else can I help.  

It was an absolutely incredible trip, very eye opening and interesting. I would highly recommend people to go on this amazing experience!!

Overwhelming in many (good) ways. The country, the people, the many stories and finally the marathon……..unlike anything I have done before. A great thanks to Street Child for this unique adventure

One of those moments that will stay with me forever! I went focussed on the run, I came back fully laden with stories of hope, impact, joy and a steadfast desire to do more. It certainly puts life in the UK into perspective. The ability to interact with the projects first hand was really impactful. The accommodation was better than I had in mind from prior WEst African trips and the food alot better. The actual marathon was incredibly week organised, including flying out medical support team from UK. 

The trip was incredible, I was honoured to be part of such a rewarding and well run charity programme. The staff were amazing throughout the whole trip. They were always on hand to answer any questions and couldn’t have done enough. I stayed at the Wusam hotel and it was really clean and breakfast was good. The run through the jungle and community was spectacular and again so well organised and you felt so safe. I would recommend this to anyone and most of all, you are giving back and raising money for such an amazing cause!!! 

This trip was truly the experience of a lifetime. Everything was so well organised — from start to finish,  Mark and the rest of the  team went above and beyond. 
Thank you!

Great experience all-round. From arriving at Lunghi, the hotels, staff and excursions were exceptional. The marathon itself, including the whole race day was amazing, very well organised, and people fully embraced the race day. I will be back.

I have no words to discribe the magnitude of this hole trip to me. I loved every piece of it. The organisation was great, the other people super nice and the Sierra Leonean people the best. I was able to do this with my oldest daugther and we both loved the experience.  Thank you so much for the wonderful opportunity and great support in every way.

Amazing and unforgettable experience! 

Best,
Sergiusz

Truly amazing! Everywhere is super well organised, you don’t have to think about anything. They are taking care of you in the best way possible, also health wise. It was an unbelievable experience that i would wish for many to experience. The beauty of this country, of the people and to be able to give your support. It filled my heart and it also made me appreciate my home town a lot when i came back. Its not an ordinary trip, its a special trip to always remember.

I had a great time all throughout this event. I volunteered for Street Child in the lead up to the marathon, organising the event week. What a fantastic charity. Seeing the work in action was inspiring. I also got to run on race day and the course and aid stations were so well organised. The event week as a whole had lots of good people, good food and I will definitely be back to run again!!

A Race Like No Other: My Sierra Leone Marathon with Street Child

There are races—and then there are experiences that stay with you long after your trainers are off and the medal is hung.

Running the Sierra Leone Marathon with Street Child (the team are amazing) was nothing short of life-changing. Set against the backdrop of Makeni’s vibrant streets, red dust roads, and lush green landscapes, this wasn’t just a race — it was a journey into heart, purpose, and humanity.

From the moment I arrived, the welcome was warm and genuine. You’re not just a runner here — you’re part of something bigger. Street Child’s work is front and centre. You visit schools, meet the children and families they support, and see with your own eyes the difference your fundraising makes. It adds an emotional depth that no other race I’ve done has ever matched.

The race itself is tough — hot, humid, and hilly. But every mile is met with cheers from local villagers, beaming children, and the kind of energy that lifts you even when your legs feel heavy. It’s raw and real. And beautiful.

What sets this marathon apart is the why. You run knowing you're helping to transform lives through education. That changes everything.

I left Sierra Leone with tired legs, a full heart, and a perspective forever altered. If you're looking for more than a medal — if you're looking for meaning — this is it.

Highly recommended. Would do it again in a heartbeat.

A privilege to be involved in what is, other than football, the largest sporting event in Sierra Leone.

What an adventure! I was blown away by the experience and by the way we were supported throughout. The Sierra Leone Marathon is a tough challenge - the heat and environment would be tricky for even the most seasoned runner - but I was looked after superbly by the team at Street Child (both UK and local Sierra Leonean staff) from start to finish. Super well organised, transparent in everything they do, covering all bases from accommodation, food, to health and welfare for all participants. Great medical support before, during and after the run for runners of all abilities made me feel super confident. Their local knowledge is second to none, and their willingness to provide care for travellers and runners was beyond reproach. Even when there was a travel delay that was completely out of their control, they kicked into action to support us (above and beyond what the airline offered!). I would absolutely recommend the experience - eye-opening, challenging, but so rewarding., and for a cause I’ll definitely continue to support. 

Amazing experience, I will be recommending it to all my friends. 


The 2025 Street Child Sierra Leone Marathon was an experience to remember. Communication before the event was clear and informative. Registration day was busy but well managed. 

The scenery on the full marathon course was nothing short of stunning. The on course aid stations and roving support was fantastic and made the event feel well resourced, and most importantly safe. 

The finish area was a lot of fun! With great access to drinks to hydrate, and lots of good tunes. 

My main concern for this event was the lack of toilet facilities available to participants and spectators. People were made to squat behind buildings and next to human faeces. This poses a huge health risk, and is something that needs to be prioritised and rectified for future events. It was also a shame that the results were so poorly managed by the National athletics association - this became quite embarrassing with multiple errors and dramas impacting the final ceremonies. 


Street Child Sierra Leone Marathon 2025

Great experience! The run was well organized by friendly people. There were several sign posts on the way so it was impossible to get lost and plenty of water stations. The run also started very timely.

The trip of a lifetime. Unbelievably well organised by Mark and the Street Child team. Whatever activity you take part in, you'll experience the amazing depth of culture found in Sierra Leone. You'll meet amazing people, enjoy amazing food and witness first hand the amazing impact that Street Child has. The local residents are so welcoming, and so thankful for the funds raised. I truly couldn't recommend this trip enough!

It has been a great event. Very crowded of runners and supporters. 

Run the London Marathon 2025 for Street Child

This was an unforgettable experience! Very well organised by Mark and the  entire Street Child staff!


My Fourth Time—and Still Blown Away

Just back from my fourth trip to Sierra Leone with Street Child, and if that doesn’t speak volumes, I’m not sure what will.

There’s something about this country that grabs hold of your heart and doesn’t let go. The music, the food, the warmth of the people—every visit feels like coming home to a version of myself I’d forgotten existed. And doing it all while supporting a cause as impactful as Street Child? That’s the real magic.

Whether you’re running, walking, cycling, or just cheering from the sidelines, the Sierra Leone Marathon is more than just a challenge—it’s a transformation. It’s incredibly well-organised, but still raw in the best possible way. You’re not just ticking off a bucket list; you’re making a difference, shoulder to shoulder with the very communities you’re supporting.

It’s the kind of trip that changes you. That makes you reflect. That reminds you of your strength—and your privilege. I’ve done it four times now. And I already know I’ll be back.


I had a great time. Such a unique idea and a fun race. Will be back for the next one

Street Child Craft Half 2024

So much fun! Great organizing, beautiful race, and a smooth interface/website to raise money. note: merch/charity gear will not ship to the US

The course was beautifully marked – a great deal of care and attention had clearly gone into positioning the arrows. 
They had been lovingly attached to the various trees and posts that adorn Wimbledon Common, very much enhancing the overall environment.  
I would definitely do this race again – if only for the exquisite signage.

Had a great experience raising money for Street Child at the Berlin Marathon. Wonderful cause and I was so thankful to be selected for their team!

Had a lovely time and fantastic experience. The beach was fantastic, 
Sadly not beach front accommodation me but lovely anyway. Would absolutely recommend

Sierra Leone Marathon & Cycle Challenge 2024

A very intensive trip: A deep dive into Street Child's work in Sierra Leone, insights into local culture and meeting local people, an inspiring group of international charity runners, a vibrant (and hot) race day, complemented by a relaxing day in a nice beach resort - and all of this perfectly organized by a highly engaged Street Child team!

Sierra Leone Marathon & Cycle Challenge 2024 - Euro

Had to most incredible experience! First time travelling by myself outside of Europe. Met so many like minded people,  it was an unforgettable experience and learnt so much! Amazing and friendly staff that made you feel safe!

I participated in the cycling challenge of the  SL Street Child Marathon Event 2024 and had a great time. It was a beautiful route and a great opportunity to participate in the event by bike. However, the initial announcement that we will ride in a group together was not realised unfortunately. We were rather scattered in small groups. I would have preferred to actually ride in a group for more team spirit, joy, and safety. All in all, thanks for the great experience. I will sign up again and look forward to meeting new biking buddies :).

Street Child Sierra Leone Marathon

I had the most wonderful time in Makeni and Tokeh with Street Child as part of the 2024 Challenge. Everyone at Street Child is so knowledgeable about the culture and area it immediately puts you at ease. They plan wonderful trips (and of course the amazing cycle/run challenges) in difficult environments so that you get maximum exposure to the people and cutlure of Sierra Leone and see what the charity does. The whole team are full of enthusiasm and a can do attitude, wanting you to share their love of the country with them. 
Each of the inevitable 'curveballs' were dealt with by the team with grace, knowledge and a smile, turning any issue into an adventure that is quickly put back on track!
I would highly recommend travelling with the Street Child crew at any time!

Loved the experience!  Great ambiance during the run. Can do bit better on set ups of start and finish points as that’s where people like to take pictures for memories.

What an amazing experience. Street Child organized and excellent trip where we learnt about the work Street Child does in rural communities surround Makeni. We started by visiting a school to understand how Street Child is helping to support the school to make good education accessible for all. The second day was spent looking at the community work Street Child does, many children do not stay in education due to lack of funds and this is where Street Child helps by enabling the families to set up businesses. The third day was spent learning something of the culture and preparing for the Sierra Leone Marathon. The marathon felt all the more important due to the knowledge gained the previous days and it was once more excellently organized, with aid stations every 5k and people constantly biking up and down to check you were OK. it was such an opportunity to be able to see the communities Street Child work with and interact with the people while passing through the inspiring landscape. The medals are also worth the effort, having been handmade, mine with be treasured forever. The last few days was spent at Tokeh and this was pure luxury and a perfect place to recuperate after the marathon.
This trip is a must, some parts are hard and make you think, but ultimately you learn and experience so much in a safe and well organized environment. Thank you Street Child 

The trip was epic. Very well organised and such a life changing experience. Thank you so much to everyone at Street child involved. I would urge anyone else thinking about this trip to book without even thinking about it, you will have a an amazing time. 

It has been a fantastic Adventure! The Street child staff were tremendous and accommodating. 

When i signed up it was mostly about the run and secondly about the charity, but seeing the work out there has brought it home how much a difference the money is making. Im a true convert to the cause. 

I will certainly be flying the Street Child flag from now on, and there will certainly be more adventures to be had with Street Child in the future. 

Many thanks to Mark and his team for an unforgettable experience. 



Sierra Leone Marathon & Cycle Challenge 2026

Sierra Leone Marathon & Cycle Challenge 2026

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