By Gerald Mukembu
The Lewa Safari Marathon, a globally renowned event, celebrates its 25th anniversary this June, continuing to play a pivotal role in wildlife conservation and community development in Kenya and beyond.Over the years, the marathon has become a symbol of hope and positive change, driving efforts in conservation, healthcare, education, and economic empowerment.
Flagging off the 2023 Lewa Marathon
Its funding has supported six hospitals and clinics, providing vital healthcare services to approximately 40,000 people in rural Kenyan communities annually. Additionally, it has contributed to education by offering bursaries and infrastructure to over 10,000 students. The marathon has also empowered 724 women artisans through beadwork and beekeeping projects, promoting sustainable livelihoods. Mike Watson, CEO of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, highlighted the marathon’s significance, stating, “The Lewa Safari Marathon represents the deep connection between conservation and community. At Lewa, we envision a future where all Kenyans value, protect, and benefit from wildlife.
Runners participating in a marathon run at Lewa Conservancy
This event continues to drive that vision forward.” He added that as one of Kenya’s pioneering conservancies—recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Man and Biosphere Reserve—Lewa has experienced remarkable growth in both wildlife populations and biodiversity. Since its inception in 2000, the marathon has welcomed over 25,000 runners from more than 40 countries and has been acknowledged as one of the world’s top ten amateur races by Runner’s World. Watson emphasized the indispensable support from runners, sponsors, conservation partners, and local communities, celebrating the collective impact made over the past 25 years. The marathon’s success showcases corporate leadership’s potential to drive meaningful change. Long-term partners such as Safaricom and Huawei have been instrumental, inspiring collaborations with other organizations like Access Bank, ICEA Lion, Highlands, AMREF, Elewana, Safarilink, Garda World, Tropical Heat, and African Originals.
These partnerships provide crucial funding for conservation and community programs. Dr. Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom, remarked, “For 25 years, we have supported the Lewa Safari Marathon, a cause that aligns with our mission to transform lives. As both the marathon and Safaricom mark 25 years in 2025, we are committing KES 10 million to this year’s event. Additionally, we will host the Safaricom Karura Mini Run in May to further support the marathon.
” Gao Fei, CEO of Huawei Kenya, echoed this sentiment, saying, “Huawei is proud to have supported the Lewa Safari Marathon for 17 years. Through our partnership with Safaricom, we’ve made a difference in preserving endangered wildlife and uplifting the surrounding communities. ” The funds have been critical in conserving endangered species like the mountain bongo, Grevy’s zebra, and black rhino, as well as safeguarding East Africa’s remaining ‘super-tusker’ elephants. Nick Bubb, Chief Executive of Tusk, lauded the event, stating, “The Lewa Safari Marathon is more than a race-it’s a movement with purpose. Over 25 years, it has united runners worldwide to support Kenya’s extraordinary wildlife and communities. This milestone underscores the transformative power of collective action. “The marathon unites runners, conservationists, communities, and businesses under a shared mission to protect wildlife and uplift lives.
This year’s event aims to break fundraising records, further advancing conservation and community projects. Participants can choose from the 42km full marathon, 21km half-marathon, 10km executive race, or a 5km run for younger athletes. The high-altitude course takes runners through the scenic savannah trails of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, home to diverse wildlife, including the iconic ‘Big Five’—buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard, and rhinoceros.
