The Brufut Run is an annual event organised by the Brufut Marathon Association (www.brufut-ma.org). The event started in 1994 when Mamadou Max Jallow initiated plans to develop sport in The Gambia and in particular in long distance running with the aim to raise funds for the local community. The first had just 10 runners. Last year the event attracted over 600 runners from around the globe and funds raised supported the World Food Programme’s operation in The Gambia. The BMA is a registered nonprofit making organisation engaged in seeking funds to help in socio-economic development. 

We now have an online entry process in the UK so that runners from outside The Gambia can pre book their entry and we are working with external partners to set up tourist packages so that UK athletes/tourists can be attracted to enter. 

The Brufut Run includes fun run, cycle race, 10k and half marathon. The BMA works with a number of companies and organisation such as the World Food Programme, Friends of The Gambia Association, Brussels Airlines, Pristine Consulting and Smart Spaces to develop the race. We hope to hold a full marathon by 2015, the first official staging of such an event in The Gambia. 

Under a new dynamic scheme set up in 2011, the leading winning Gambian athletes receive return air tickets to the UK to compete. Three athletes have now visited the UK as a result of this. In 2012, Hoja Secka raced in the Bradford City 10k and this year Mariama T Jallow and Lamin Sanneh competed in several events across the UK and both set new national records for the 10k and half marathon road racing. 

Both Mariama T Jallow and Lamin Sanneh hope to retain their titles at the next race. 

This next edition of the Brufut Run to be held on 18th January 2014 will be held in memory of Mamadou Max Jallow who sadly passed away earlier this year. After the race the BMA will hold a march through Brufut in honour of Mr. Jallow whose work, contribution and talent will live long in our memories. 

We invite you all to attend the race which is being developed into one the leading races of its type in the region. 

Please our website for entry details: http://www.brufut-ma.org/how-enter