The Safaricom Marathon has become one of Kenya’s major sporting events and is regarded by Runner’s World as one of the world’s top ten “must do” marathons. Since the event was first held in 2000 – with just 180 participants – it has gone on to generate more than £5m to help wildlife and support rural communities throughout Kenya. In its special 20th anniversary year we are hoping to raise $1m (£750,000), 20 times the amount raised in 2000!
Safaricom’s headline sponsorship of the event has been central to its success. Charles Wanjohi, Safaricom’s Director of the Consumer Business Unit, said “Over the last 19 editions we have seen the Safaricom Marathon in Lewa transform the lives of the communities it serves. It has given them access to health, clean water and education, and we are motivated to continue supporting the marathon because we have seen the impact on over 500,000 lives that are touched through the various initiatives.”
Tusk CEO Charlie Mayhew said “We’re immensely proud of all that has been achieved in partnership with Safaricom. Thanks to their invaluable support Tusk has made a real difference to the lives of the many thousands of Kenyans living alongside their wildlife. We are particularly proud that the Safaricom Marathon has become a valuable shop window for Kenya – attracting numerous overseas runners to Lewa each year”.
Mike Watson, CEO of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy expressed his gratitude for Safaricom’s support. He said, “We are grateful to Safaricom for supporting us since we started the Marathon 20 years ago. We have seen the communities around Isiolo, Laikipia and Meru grow as a result of the money raised from the Marathon. In the last few years we have expanded to support projects in Northern Kenya and the Coast”.
Pictured in the above image from the launch of this year’s event (L-R):Kahindi Changawa – Local Ocean Conservation
Henry Wanyoki – international blind runner with his running partner
Charles Wanjohi – Director of Consumer Business, Safaricom
Jackline Mwenda – beneficiary of the Lewa education programme. At 20 years old she is the same age as the event.
John Ruengo – the event’s oldest runner
Catherine Ndereba – world champion marathon runner
Mike Watson – CEO, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
