SAFARICOM MARATHON 2010
The 11th Safaricom Marathon and Half Marathon will take place at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, 140 miles north of Nairobi on Saturday 26th June 2010. Organised by Tusk and supported by Safaricom this fundraising event will host 1,000 runners from 20 different countries. The Safaricom Marathon is regarded as one of the toughest marathons in the world. However, runners of all abilities take part, from fun runners, walkers and amateurs, to professionals like Paul Tergat the Kenyan international and former world record holder.
The event is run through some of East Africa’s most beautiful scenery. Mount Kenya lies to the south and there are breath-taking views north towards Samburu and Mount Lololokwe. The heavily protected 65,000 acre wildlife sanctuary is home to over 100 rhino, herds of elephant and a vast assortment of plains game including zebra, giraffe, buffalo and much more.
THE EVENT
There are
two race categories; The Full Marathon, which is an individual event, and the Half Marathon, a team event, to which a minimum of five and a maximum of ten runners can enter per team. Both races start at 7.15am at the southern end of the conservancy. The course is set on dirt roads that take the runners on an undulating 21km course through the reserve, across savannah plains, along river banks and through acacia woodland before finishing close to Lewa’s headquarters.
Half Marathon runner completes one loop of the course, Full Marathon runners, two. The route is watched over by a large and experienced team of armed rangers, with two helicopters and a spotter plane in the air throughout the race. Water stations and first aid points are situated every 2.5km along the course. Medical support at the finish is provided by AMREF - the flying doctors, the Kenya Red Cross and local hospitals. On completion of the race each runner is presented with a medal and goody bag. Prizes for race and age group category are awarded at a prize giving ceremony at 12.30pm.
FUNDRAISING
The impact o
f the event has been huge and the benefits are very tangible. Since its inception the event has raised $2 million. Tusk and Lewa have always shared a common goal to use wildlife conservation as a catalyst to alleviate poverty, reduce conflict, and improve education and livelihoods in rural areas rich in biodiversity. As such the funds raised from each event (In 2009 US$500,000 was raised) are invested in a wide range of projects benefiting sustainable development, education, healthcare, and wildlife. Our clear aim is to balance the needs of rural communities with the objective of preserving Kenya’s unique natural heritage for future generations.
We ask each competitor to raise a minimum of £1,000 for these causes over and above the cost of entering the event. Tusk Trust is registered with www.justgiving.com and www.virginmoneygiving.com both online charity fundraising websites which allow you to create a sponsorship form that your friends can easily access and donate to knowing their money is going direct to this cause.
ACCOMMODATION
There are two types of accommodation available at Lewa:
Maridadi Camp
The Maridadi Camp is a traditional comfortable mobile tented camp with large walk-in tents fully equipped inside with twin beds, bedding, towels, side table, hurricane lanterns, torch, dressing/working table and chairs. A hot ‘bush’ shower and short drop loos are semi attached in the rear and shared between two tents. On the verandah there is a wash basin, mirror, small table and chairs.
Meals consist of full English breakfast, buffet lunch and three course dinners which are served in a large mess tent. Each night there is a camp fire surrounded by comfortable sofas and chairs to enjoy a sundowner.
The Maridadi camp is situated quite close to the headquarters, but please note that it is not safe to walk out of the campsite and therefore transport is a necessity to reach the Start, Finish or race headquarters.
Marathon Camp
This campsite is designed for people who can arrange and bring their own camping and cooking equipment. Cold showers, drop loos and firewood are provided. The camp is situated at the race headquarters and is within walking distance of the start and finish. There is an option to pitch tents in a designated ‘Quiet’ camping area.
TRANSPORT
Tusk is unable to assist with international flight bookings but can give advice on travel in Kenya. Closer to the time details on transfers by road or air to Lewa will be posted on the website, plus details on transport options whilst at Lewa.
REGISTRATION
Registration for the event will open early in 2010 when details on entry, accommodation and travel options will be published.
Visit 'Latest News' to read all about this years event or download an article written by Charlie Norton in the October 2009 Edition of Running Free Real Magazine.
If have any queries in the meantime please contact Bob Green in the UK Tusk Office. Entry forms will be available to download during the week of hte 8th February 2010.
If you are based in the USA please email Thom Gilligan at Marathon Tours for more details on the trip that he organises for runners based in the States.
To see the results of the 2009 event you can download the full listings here
Donate Now!
Upcoming Tusk Events
Latest News
PRINCE WILLIAM MARKS TUSK'S 20TH ANNIVERSARY. At a reception held at HSBC's private banking headquarters in St James's London on the 7th January, Tusk's Royal Patron... More ...Latest Tusk Video
