Experience the magic of the Chengelo Trail Run!

Mkushi, Zambia | 21 November 2026

The Chengelo Trail Run

The Chengelo Trail Run is so much more than just a run. It is a celebration of trail running, adventure and the wonderful community that surrounds it.

Set among the beautiful hills behind Chengelo School in Mkushi, Zambia, the event takes runners along scenic trails, through forest paths and across challenging terrain with sweeping views of the surrounding farmland.

Open to a wide range of abilities, the Chengelo Trail welcomes runners and outdoor enthusiasts looking for something beyond the ordinary race experience. Our trails are beautiful, technical and steep in places. This is not road running, and the emphasis is on adventure, fun and finishing rather than speed or personal bests.

Whether you’re taking on your first trail, enjoying the mountain views or challenging yourself over a longer distance, there’s a trail waiting for you.

Come for the trails.
Stay for the adventure.
Leave with lasting memories.

5km

For the Hill of It

The original introductory route, designed
for people wanting to get out on the trails and
enjoy a less strenuous climb.

Route colour: Red

12km

For All Mountain Lovers

A more challenging route offering beautiful
views and some steep inclines.

Route colour: Green

20km

For Adventurous Trail Runners

The most demanding of the three routes, designed for adventurous runners ready for a tougher trail experience. Minimum age of 18 for this distance.

Route colour: Yellow

RACE DAY INFORMATION

Find out all you need to know about the race day below:

TIMINGS & INFO

Race-day information


Start and finish	Chengelo School campus, in front of Founders’ Hall
Start time	All three distances start at 06:00
Aid stations	1 on the 5 km, 3 on the 12 km and 4 on the 20 km
Water	Available at aid stations; runners on the 20 km were encouraged to carry their own
Route marking	Red for 5 km, green for 12 km, yellow for 20 km
Footwear	Trail shoes or shoes with good grip recommended
Race bibs	Must be visible on the runner’s shirt; runners may not run under another person’s registration
Cut-off	No cut-off time
Cash	No ATM on campus
Finish-line facilities	Food, drinks, coffee and a swimming pool

RACE PACKS

Race packs were available:

On Friday afternoon and evening at Founders’ Hall.
On race morning, in the Founders’ Hall foyer before the start.

The exact collection dates and times will be announced closed to race day.

ACCOMMODATION

Travelling to Mkushi for the Chengelo Trail? Make the most of your visit by arranging accommodation for the night before race day.

Chengelo we offer limited accommodation in our Sixth Form hostels, with single-occupancy rooms and communal bathrooms. Guests are required to bring their own bedding and towels.

Meals can be pre-booked, with supper served in the school dining hall and breakfast provided on race morning.

Accommodation is limited and must be arranged in advance. Please contact the organisers to confirm availability, prices and booking arrangements for this year.

The adventure doesn’t end at the finish line!

The Finish-Line Festival

Join us after your run for a relaxed morning of good food, drinks and great company. Our finish-line festival is a chance to refuel, catch up with fellow runners and celebrate the experience together.

Expect Peaberry coffee, breakfast rolls, burgers, baked treats, refreshments and other food stalls. Participants will be able to cool off with a swim in the school pool, at their own risk.

Bring some cash and stay a little longer. The best part of the Chengelo Trail is the community that makes it special.