Those of us that have run, or plan to run, a 26.2 mile race might consider doing so in Amsterdam, Paris, New York, Boston … even South Africa. And we might travel to east Africa to go on safari – and never the two shall cross.

With so many world-class runners, clearly there is a huge local running scene in east Africa. But it’s more like the UK’s cross-country scene, and doesn’t translate to international events. For many east Africans, running represents a way to escape their home town and go to Europe and the US to compete. This, coupled with the reality of a struggle with poor education, Aids and basic sanitation in some regions, means setting up slick sporting events is far from a priority. And slick is something that – let’s be honest – us runners have come to expect from a race.

But despite these difficulties, there are a growing number of international distance-running events in east Africa, and I would argue that it is the precise lack of “slick” that makes running in east Africa such a fantastic experience.

Set up a race in the UK, follow a set of guidelines and throw in some marketing prowess, and voila, you’ve got yourself a marathon. Set up a marathon in east Africa, and there are a few more hoops and a bit more jumping required. Backhanders, changed minds, a more flexible approach to deadlines … And that’s before trying to tackle the perceived political and medical stigmas (don’t mention Ebola!) that prevent runners from making the trip. But if by some miracle (and when I say miracle, I mean fantastic, uplifting breakthrough) you find a distance-running event in east Africa, sign up.

Sure, you can run in the New York Marathon and see world-famous sights as you go. Run the Berlin Marathon and go for a PB on a fast, flat course. But run in east Africa, and you’ll get quite a lot more. The scenery will be truly excellent, no question. But somewhat more of a complete wow is the one thing that always makes or breaks our experiences: the people. Yes, you lose the smooth, Starbucks-like running courses and handy chains in which to carb-load. But this is the home of distance running. Where else will you mention that you’re off for a training run and next thing have a dozen locals waiting to join you, wearing jeans and sandals in an amusing contrast to your vibrant Lycra? Where else will people run wearing a big grin? Where else will giggling schoolchildren give you a run for your money?

And that’s before I’ve even gone into the joint-friendly soft running surfaces, the wildlife, the challenge of altitude and hilly terrain, and the numerous other tick boxes that make for a perfect run.

Despite the difficulty of creating these events, there are some short, middle and long-distance international running events across east Africa. Run through a safari park in Kenya, join thousands of others for the Great Ethiopian Run – or, this year, be part of the inaugural Uganda International Marathon in the home of the 2012 Olympic gold medallist, Stephen Kiprotich. Step outside the comfort zone of slick organisation and goodie-bag treats, and experience something really different. You won’t regret it.

Ellie will be writing more about the challenges of setting up the first international marathon in Uganda in the following months, ugandamarathon.com

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