About the Lusaka Marathon
From a Greek battlefield in 490 B.C. to the streets of Lusaka.
More Than a Marathon
The Lusaka Marathon is Zambia's flagship road running event, bringing together elite athletes, recreational runners, families and fitness enthusiasts in one of Africa's fastest-growing cities.
Since its inception, the marathon has inspired healthier lifestyles while showcasing the beauty, hospitality and energy of Lusaka. Every kilometre tells a story of determination, unity and national pride.
Our Vision
To become one of Africa's leading marathon events and a globally recognised road race that inspires healthy living, promotes tourism and develops athletics.
Our Mission
Promote running and healthy lifestyles. Develop athletics in Zambia. Support community participation. Showcase Lusaka to the world. Deliver a world-class race experience.
How it began
The marathon has a proud history steeped in tradition. In 490 B.C., the soldier Pheidippides ran from a battlefield near Marathon, Greece, to Athens to deliver news of a Greek victory over the Persians. At the end of that historic run he collapsed and died, having fulfilled his duty.
In 1896, at the inauguration of the modern Olympic Games, the legend was honoured with a race from Marathon Bridge to the Olympic stadium in Athens. Twenty-five runners lined up on April 10th. Spiridon Louis, a Greek postal worker from the village of Marusi, won the 40km race in 2:58:50 — seven minutes clear of the field — and a nation erupted in celebration. The marathon as an event was born.
The following year saw the first running of the now-famous Boston Marathon, won by John J. McDermott in 2:55:10.
Why 42.195km?
For the 1908 London Olympic Games, the marathon distance was extended to 26 miles so the race could finish in front of the royal box. It took another 16 years before 26.2 miles (42.195km) was standardised as the official marathon distance — the distance every finisher of the Lusaka Marathon's full course conquers today.
The Lusaka Marathon
The Lusaka Marathon brings that tradition to the heart of Zambia's capital. Sanctioned by Zambia Athletics and run since 2015, the event unites elite athletes, club runners, corporate teams and families across four distances — the 42km Full Marathon, 21km Half Marathon, 10km Road Race and the 5km Health Walk/Run — all starting and finishing at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre.