“One of the top ten races to run in your life.” - Runner’s World
The annual Lewa Safari Marathon, organised by Tusk in partnership with the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, invites participants from all over the globe to compete in an internationally acclaimed event, running through one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife conservancies and a World Heritage Site. Regarded by Runner’s World as one of the world’s top ten “must do” marathons, runners of all abilities take part. Individuals and corporate teams enjoy an unforgettable experience running alongside some of Africa’s most amazing wildlife and witnessing firsthand the difference made by the funds raised.
Held in partnership with the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, and sponsored by Safaricom and Huawei, the event is regarded as one of Kenya’s top sporting events. This unique marathon has raised more than $9 million over the past 25 years in support of wildlife and local communities throughout Kenya. Supporting the recovery of Kenya’s black rhino population from the brink of extinction, protecting the world’s critically endangered Grevy’s zebra, and providing healthcare, water and improved infrastructure for communities, to funding Lewa education programmes, the funds this marathon raises are invaluable to thousands across the country.
Notable participants that have taken on the challenge previously include Kenyan former marathon world record holders, Eliud Kipchoge, Paul Tergat and Catherine Ndereba, former half-marathon record holder Geoffrey Kamworor, and Paralympic champion Henry Wanyoike. Tusk celebrity ambassadors Ben Fogle, Jack Savoretti and Levison Wood have all completed the course, as has the Princess of Wales’s sister, Pippa Middleton.
Thousands of runners took part in the 24th edition of one of the world’s most breath-taking marathons at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in a huge show of support for African-driven conservation. John Mitei won the men’s marathon, crossing the finish line in 2:21:23. Mercy Kwambai was the first women across the line in an impressive 02:48:35. Half-marathon winners were Nelson Rono and Beatrice Cheburet with times of 01:05:32 and 01:16:15 respectively.
The marathon took place at Lewa Wildife Conservancy on Saturday 25th June. It was wonderful to see the event return to Kenya following two years of virtual events due to Covid-19 restrictions.
The 2021 Virtual Lewa Safari Marathon saw almost 1,500 runners from 46 countries all around the world take to their local streets, tracks and parks in support of Kenya’s wildlife and communities.
It was tough - tougher than anything I’d been faced with before and required every inch of my energy, stamina and stubbornness... What got me through was the knowledge of what we were raising money for, the children who sang for us in their classroom built by Tusk and the communities that will benefit from a new reservoir. This is what the Safari Marathon is about.
There are lots of fun and fantastic ways to get involved and raise much needed funds for Tusk and our work in Africa. We’re here to support you along the way…
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Pippa Middleton - Full Marathon competitor 2015