Goldmine Marathon
Run for Education. Run for Opportunity.
The Goldmine Marathon is an annual fundraising and public-awareness event organized by Run Africa Solutions in Kakamega County, Kenya. Centered on the communities of Ikolomani and Shinyalu, the event brings runners, families, schools, businesses, community organizations and international supporters together to raise funds for the Run Africa Solutions Scholarship Project. Every participant becomes part of a wider movement to help vulnerable and academically
promising young people remain in education.
More than a Race
Gold-mining communities contribute greatly to the local economy, but many families in these areas continue to face poverty, unsafe working conditions, interrupted education and limited opportunities for young people.
The Goldmine Marathon uses sport to:
- Raise funds for the Run Africa Solutions Scholarship Project.
- Increase awareness of education challenges in mining-affected communities.
- Promote health, unity and community participation.
- Mobilize companies, schools, alumni and the Kenyan diaspora.
- Celebrate the strength and potential of Kakamega’s communities.
- Build long-term partnerships for education and community development.
Full Marathon — 42.2 Kilometres
For experienced runners seeking a major endurance challenge and the opportunity to fundraise for education.
Half Marathon — 21.1 Kilometres
For competitive and recreational runners who want to make a meaningful contribution.
Community Run — 10 Kilometres
An accessible race for local running clubs, corporate teams, schools, community groups and individual participants.
Family Walk — 5 Kilometres
A welcoming, non-competitive activity for families, students, community leaders and supporters of all abilities.
The official date, approved routes, entry fees and participation requirements will be announced after consultation with the relevant authorities and community stakeholders.
Ways to Join the Movement
Run or Walk
Register as an individual participant and dedicate your race to expanding education opportunities.
Fundraise
Create a personal fundraising campaign and invite friends, relatives and colleagues to support your participation.
Form a team
Schools, companies, running clubs, community organizations and alumni groups can enter teams and compete in fundraising challenges.
Volunteer
Support registration, route management, water stations, environmental protection, participant services or community engagement.
Become a sponsor
Businesses and institutions can support the event through financial sponsorship, services, equipment, transport, communications, medical support or participant supplies.
Members of the Kenyan diaspora and international supporters can organize virtual challenges, matching-gift campaigns or community fundraising activities.
Where the Money Goes
The Goldmine Marathon is the annual fundraising platform of the Run Africa Solutions
Scholarship Project. After approved event costs have been accounted for, net proceeds will be directed to the
Scholarship Project and other approved interventions that help vulnerable students enter, remain in and complete their education. Run Africa Solutions will maintain appropriate financial records and publish a post-event accountability report showing:
- Income raised through the event.
- Approved event expenditure.
- Net funds transferred to the Scholarship Project.
- The general categories of education support financed.
- Program achievements and lessons from the event.
Responsible Community Engagement
The Goldmine Marathon will be organized with respect for local residents, participants and the environment.
The event will:
- Use routes approved by the relevant public authorities.
- Avoid unauthorized access to active, abandoned or unsafe mining locations.
- Provide medical, security and emergency-response arrangements.
- Promote responsible waste management and environmental protection.
- Protect the dignity and privacy of mining-affected families.
- Encourage participation by women, young people and persons with disabilities.
- Consult communities that may be affected by race routes or event activities.
Our Partners
The Goldmine Marathon is organized by Run Africa Solutions.
And other approved partners may support community mobilization, education programming, safeguarding and technical implementation.
Run Africa US may assist with international fundraising, donor engagement and global promotion through written partnership arrangements.
Corporate sponsors, county institutions, schools, athletics organizations, community groups and media partners are invited to participate.
Every Step Can Keep a Student in School
You do not need to be an elite athlete to make a difference.
Run, walk, volunteer, sponsor a team or fundraise from wherever you are.
Together, we can transform the energy of one annual event into year-round education opportunities.
For participation, sponsorship or partnership enquiries, contact Run Africa Solutions through the official contact information provided on this website.