What is the Wild-a-thon?

The 2026 Wild-A-Thon series of events aims to change the way we think about human-wildlife interactions and change our understanding of wildlife's role in their life. The runs and post-run conversations and interactions emphasize the importance of all wildlife, including birds and plants, to human well-being. The 2026 series will have activities in each of Guyana’s regions from March 8-18, 2026.

During the run participants will engage in conversations about wildlife, and promote the culture of movement and the outdoors. The 2026 series has two primary goals:

1.⁠ ⁠Enhance education around wildlife importance and protection in Guyana

2.⁠ ⁠Inspire Guyanese youth to explore movement to enhance health and well-being

Approach

The 2026 Wild-A-Thon Series aims to develop a national conversation around wildlife, while providing the opportunity for stakeholders, including youth, wildlife managers, wildlife researchers, peoples involved in wildlife trade, and those who encounter wildlife in ways that may lead to conflict, to be in the same spaces to share their experiences and communicate ideas that will lead to a greater appreciation of wildlife in the long run. While the events are named “Wild-A-Thon”, they are aimed at focusing on all wildlife and developing a stronger sense of awareness among the Guyanese population on why our wildlife matter.

The 2026 Wild-A-Thon Series will have activities in each region of Guyana, and aims to draw on the unique opportunities each part of Guyana provides for human-wildlife interactions and engagement.

Activities in Each Region

• Early morning run: 13.1 miles with at least 26 persons running one mile each. The primary goal of the runs is to make the connection between the importance of merging conservation action with human well-being and health. Runs begin at 5:45 a.m. to take in the early morning sunshie and start when traffic is still light (especially so along the coast).

• Audience to include any member of the public; promotional aimed at everyone including high school aged children

• Art competition: ever region will have a different focus.

• Panel discussions: various topics

Run Details

On the dates listed below, a 13.1 mile run will be completed to mark the 2026 Wild-A-Thon. The runs will commence at 5:45 a.m. and end at approximately 8:00 a.m. We are inviting children interested in running to participate in this event. The aim of the run is to raise awareness on the importance of wildlife and will be conversational in nature. In each run, participants will run and talk with a member of our team and local wildlife champions on their perceptions of wildlife. Runners are not expected to run the entire distance and are encouraged to aim to run one mile. Runners can register to participate in the runs at www.wildathon.com. Once on the website, they can register by their region and select a mile they would like to run where appropriate. A local coordinator will work with runners in the respective regions to identify the miles they will run. At the time of registration participants can provide their t-shirt size and will be provided the same while supplies last. Refreshments will be available for participants ateach Run. The exact route for the run will be determined by a local coordinator who will communicate with schools once we obtain your permission but we have provided tentative route below. The final route for each region will be updated and provided on the website www.wildathon.com at least 48 hours before each run.