Adam Cameron encounters monkeys during the swim, spooked cows during the bike and a volcanic crater on the run in Uganda
With a volcanic crater swim, rainforest ride and lakeside run, the Kyaninga Triathlon in Uganda is a race like few others. Taking on this African pearl is Adam Cameron…
During the days leading to the Kyaninga
Triathlon in south-western Uganda, I realise that I’m more nervous than I usually am before a triathlon. I’ve taken part in triathlons in seven different countries but this is my first in Africa, and I’m a mix of excitement and nerves about what lies ahead. Yet once I reach Kyaninga Lodge and witness the stunning views over Lake Kyaninga, those nerves soon disappear.
I eat a balanced meal the night before the event, which sees all proceeds go to helping children living with disabilities at the Kyaninga
Child Development Centre, and wake at 6am on race morning to witness a beautiful sunrise. Yet it looks like it might be a little overcast for the race, which is a blessing as the East African sun can really heat things up. We all gather down by the lodge’s helipad for the race briefing and there’s a real buzz among the competitors.
The 750m swim starts down at a jetty that looks out on to one of the most beautiful crater lakes I’ve ever seen, although knowing it’s 220m deep seems to make me a little giddy. The water is quite warm, though, and just as we’re about to set off some early morning mist rolls in that only adds to the excitement.
Luckily the mist seems to hover about 10m above the water meaning we can still see the markers and the safety boats. And then we’re off! It’s a bit chaotic at the start but it’s fantastic to swim surrounded by rainforest with monkeys jumping around, although I’m
too focussed on the swim to really pay much attention to simian life.
POSITIVE ENERGY
An unusual element of the Kyaninga Triathlon is the transition from swim to bike, which involves 100 steps up out of the crater. It truly feels like a fourth discipline and has me puffing pretty hard at the top. But the 16.5km mountain bike ride is an exhilarating and marvellous experience. All along the route Ugandan families clap us along, with many of the children running as fast as they can alongside us. The positive energy being given off by the Ugandan spectators is amazing and is the real highlight of the day. Although I do feel sorry for one child spectator, whose cows are spooked by the bikes and run off into the bushes with him chasing after them…
BARBECUES & BEER
Once back at Kyaninga Lodge I take on the 4km run, which is one lap of a crater lake, and it’s difficult not to feel in awe of the natural beauty. This soon subsides, though, as I attempt to run up what feels like a near vertical hill with my heart pounding and lungs gasping for air! I somehow make it, and the view from the top makes it worthwhile. Unfortunately this is only one of two peaks, but, luckily for my lungs, the second one isn’t as high and I can almost see the finish line, which helps to spur me on to third place and a 1:37:59 finish.
There’s a lovely barbecue after the event and it’s really interesting to talk with both competitors from around the globe and some of the Ugandans who were taking part in a triathlon for the first time. Then, right on cue, the sun pushes through the clouds just in time for the post-race beer!
Of all the international events I’ve participated in, this has been truly memorable, which is ultimately down to the warmth and friendliness of the local Ugandans, who gave us so much extra energy. If you’re ever in this part of the world, make sure to look out for similar events as they really do offer a unique way to see the country and its people. 220
I’m too focussed on the swim to really pay much attention to simian life in the rainforest