Over 1,300 runners representing 33 countries took part in the Lewa Safari Marathon in Kenya. The event is organised by African conservation charity Tusk and the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. It is supported by sponsors Safaricom and Huawei.
The event has surpassed a major fundraising milestone, with more than US$10 million raised for conservation and community development projects since it was first held in 2000. Participants took on a marathon, half-marathon or 10km race through northern Kenya.
Among those taking part was Tusk Ambassador Tristan Phipps, who joined other runners from around the world. Held at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the event took runners across savannah grasslands, along riverbanks and through acacia woodland at an altitude of more than 1,676m above sea level. It is recognised by Runner’s World as one of the world’s top ten ‘must do’ marathons.
This year, the marathon is expected to generate more than £200,000 in funds. The proceeds have supported the recovery of Kenya’s black rhino population and the protection of the world’s critically endangered Grevy’s zebra.
The event has also helped provide healthcare to approximately 40,000 people in rural Kenya, improved access to clean water and infrastructure for local communities, supported education opportunities for more than 10,000 students and empowered 724 women artisans through beadwork and beekeeping initiatives.
Charlie Mayhew, President and CEO of Tusk, said “The Lewa Safari Marathon has shown what can be achieved when people come together behind a shared purpose. Reaching more than $10 million raised is a remarkable milestone and reflects the commitment of runners, supporters, sponsors and partners over the past 26 years. Every pound raised helps protect wildlife, support local communities and secure the future of some of Africa’s most important conservation landscapes. Congratulations to everyone who took part in this year’s event.”
The men’s race was won by Samson Lemayan who crossed the finish line in a time of 2:27:04, while the women’s title went to Lydia Simiyu who finished in 2:50:39. In the half-marathon, Michael Kamau claimed victory in the men’s race with a time of 1:06:36, while Mercy Nelima won the women’s race in 1:19:02.
Rob Macaire, CEO at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, said “What began 26 years ago as an ambitious vision has grown into one of the world’s most extraordinary marathons, bringing together runners, communities, conservationists, sponsors and supporters from across the globe to support wildlife conservation and community development.
“Today, we celebrate not only the achievements of those who crossed the finish line, but also the lasting impact this event continues to make through conservation, education, healthcare and sustainable livelihoods. Experiencing my first Lewa Safari Marathon as CEO has been both inspiring and humbling. Together, we are helping secure a future where wildlife, its habitats and neighbouring communities can flourish side by side for generations to come.”
Tusk accelerates the impact of African-driven conservation. Since the charity was founded in 1990, it has generated £150 million to support the growth of over 250 local partner organisations and wildlife ranger teams in more than 25 African countries.
The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is a wildlife sanctuary on the slopes of Mount Kenya. It holds 12% of Kenya’s rhino population and hosts the largest single population of Grevy’s zebra in the world.
