Join the Marathon Experience in Malabo
Run along the coastline of the Gulf of Guinea. Let the gentle sea breeze cool you as the sun casts golden glows on the waters
Discover Malabo Marathon
Malabo Marathon
The 2024 Malabo Marathon is the maiden edition of the marathon running event set in the heart of Equatorial Guinea's vibrant capital Malabo. This marathon offers runners from around the world a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes of Central Africa. With routes that wind through scenic coastal paths and lush tropical surroundings, the Malabo Marathon is more than just a race. This is an unforgettable journey that celebrates endurance, community, and the spirit of adventure. Whether you're an elite athlete or a recreational runner, this marathon promises a rewarding challenge in one of Africa's most captivating cities.
Key Highlights
The Malabo Marathon will draw runners from across the globe, fostering a sense of international camaraderie and providing a unique opportunity to connect with the global running community.
By participating in the 2024 Edition of the Malabo Marathon, runners will make history as part of the first-ever marathon in Malabo and Equatorial Guinea, marking a significant milestone in the country's sporting history.
These highlights make the Malabo Marathon an essential event for those who wish to combine their love of running with a travel adventure while being part of a historic moment.
The Great Beach Name Misnomers of Bioko Island
The Beaches of Bioko Island
As a seasoned traveller and beach enthusiast, I have dipped my toes in sands across all the seven continents and numerous countries. Nothing however prepared me for the charming and slightly deceptive beaches of Bioko Island in Equatorial Guinea. My story begins with a bit of overconfidence and a whole lot of excitement sparked by my first encounter with a black sand beach on the stunning West African Island of Cape Verde in 2023.
The Cape Verdean black beach was everything I had envisaged. The smooth dark sands melded effortlessly with the vibrant turquoise waves, creating a striking contrast that seemed almost surreal. I felt an incredible sense of connection with the landscape as I walked along the shore. My dark feet blending seamlessly with the rich, ebony sands, as if the beach itself was welcoming me home. Every step felt like a dance with nature, the gentle waves lapping at my feet in rhythm with the soft breeze that carried the scent of the ocean. I lost track of time, utterly captivated by the beauty and tranquility of that secluded corner of the world. Every moment spent there was pure bliss, a memory etched deeply into my heart. I had wished I could freeze time and stay there forever, wrapped in the serenity and beauty of that enchanting place. But of course, duty called and I had to leave Cape Verde.
However, I felt like I had been handed a second chance to relive that magic all over again when I spotted a directional sign leading me to another “Black Beach” in Malabo, the capital city of Equatorial Guinea.
Blinded with visions of another African black beach in my mind, I did not bother to carry out any further research. I packed my beach bag and headed out early the next morning, eager to watch the sunrise and relive my Cape Verde experience. But, how wrong I was.
As I made my way through the early morning streets of Malabo, running with the anticipation of catching the sunrise, I was stopped at one of the numerous police checkpoints scattered across the city. A stern-faced officer stepped forward, eyeing me curiously before asking, ‘Where are you headed?’ Still catching my breath, I replied with a confident smile, ‘Black Beach, to watch the sunrise.’ I was ready to relive the magic of another black sand beach, just like I had in Cape Verde.
But instead of pointing me in the right direction, the officer hesitated, his expression shifting from routine to concern. ‘Black Beach?’ he repeated, as if he could not believe his ears. Then, with a mixture of caution and disbelief, he informed me that ‘Black Beach’ was not a beach at all. My heart sank as he explained that the Malabo Black Beach was actually a notorious prison, built in the 1940s, infamous across the continent. The dark sands I had eagerly anticipated were replaced in my mind by the image of high walls and heavy iron bars. My dream of a serene beach sunrise quickly evaporated, replaced by the sobering reality of where I had almost ended up. I was disappointed and grateful at the same time.
After that setback, I figured if I could not visit a black beach, maybe I could at least visit a white one. I just wanted a beach that was different from the normal golden sand, so on another beautiful day, I decided to try my luck at Playa de Arena Blanca, which literally translates to “White Beach.” The thought of walking on soft, white sand seemed like the perfect antidote to my earlier blunder. I could already imagine the sand glistening like sugar under the sun.
When I arrived, the beach was indeed beautiful, but the sand colour? Definitely not white. The beach was the typical golden sand you find on any decent beach. Apparently, the beach got the name because the other beaches nearby have black sand, making this one seem “white” by comparison. I could not help but laugh at my own naivety. I had expected some kind of tropical wonderland, only to find a beach that wouldn’t look out of place anywhere else in the world.
Just when I was starting to believe that the island was playing a grand joke on me, I discovered Ureka Beach near Ureka Village. Ah, “Eureka! the word that captures the thrill of discovery. This comes from the ancient Greek word meaning “I have found it!” and is famously attributed to Archimedes, who reportedly exclaimed the word when he discovered the principle of buoyancy. For me, finding Ureka Beach was my own “Eureka!” moment. After a series of missteps and disappointments, this was the moment when everything fell into place, and I finally found the black sand beach I had been dreaming about, waiting for, and searching for! The smooth, flawless black sand stretched endlessly, a dark, inviting canvas that seemed to merge with the horizon. This was everything I had hoped for, but Ureka Beach had more to offer than just the stunning sands.
As I ventured further, the landscape revealed one of its best-kept secrets. Here, in this remote corner of the island, several waterfalls cascaded down from the cliffs, their waters crashing into the ocean with a force and beauty that left me speechless. A river, too, joined the symphony, pouring into the sea with a quiet yet powerful grace. The sight was nothing short of breathtaking, a natural spectacle that felt almost otherworldly.
This hidden gem, nestled in such a sparsely populated area, was like discovering a piece of paradise. The fact that the government had built a brand new road linking the port city of Luba to this stunning stretch of coastline made the area even more accessible, but still, Ureka Beach felt like a secret known only to a lucky few. Standing there, with the waves lapping at my feet and the sound of waterfalls filling the air, I couldn’t help but feel immensely fortunate to have found this extraordinary place.
As I sat there, mesmerized by the rhythmic crash of the waves against the shore and the distant roar of the waterfalls, I couldn’t help but ponder the irony of the Bioko Island beach names. Who in their right mind decided that a prison should be called “Black Beach,” while this stunning stretch of coastline, with the flawless black sands and hidden natural wonders, got the rather unremarkable name of Ureka Beach? This is one of those quirks that makes traveling so delightfully unpredictable and ultimately a lot of fun.
These unexpected surprises and the stories that unfold, are what I love about exploring new places. So, if you ever find yourself wandering the beaches of Bioko Island with a guidebook in hand, take those beach names with a healthy dose of skepticism. They might lead you astray, but that is where the adventure begins.
Because in the end, the name of the beach doesn’t make the beach unforgettable. The experience you have there, the tales you collect along the way and the memories that linger long after the journey ends are truly what make the beaches special.
A visit to the Playa de Arena Blanca and the Ureka Beach have been included in the 2024 Malabo Marathon tour Package. Sign Up and join in the adventure https://malabomarathon.com/home-page
Dayo Akinbode
A Personal Misadventure
July 2024
Reluctantly leaving the captivating Cape Verdean Black Beach