Safaricom Lewa Marathon Is Back!

On February 28th 2018, Safaricom, Tusk Trust and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy launched the 19th edition of the Safaricom Marathon in Lewa.

The annual event is held to raise funds for wildlife conservation and community development. Up to 13,000 runners from all over the world have taken part in the race since its inception. Over KES 40 million was raised in 2017 bringing the total amount raised over the 19 years to over KES 675 million.

“For the last 19 years, the Safaricom marathon has had a huge impact on the lives of communities in Lewa and the protection of the endangered species in the conservancy and across the country. We remain committed to supporting this cause because we have seen the difference it’s making to wildlife conservation and to the communities in and around the projects we support,” said Joseph Ogutu, Director, Strategy – Safaricom.”

From left: Safaricom, Director, strategy Joe Ogutu, 3rd in charge of anti-poaching Ranger, Joseph Piroris, and CEO, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Mike Watson have a chat during the launch of Lewa Marathon 2018 at Michael Joseph Centre.

This year, the marathon seeks to raise awareness about the projects and communities that have benefitted from funds raised. These projects include: Lewa Conservancy, Northern Rangelands Trust, Mt. Kenya Trust, Ngare Ndare Forest Trust, Space for Giants, Koiyaki Guide School, Olare Orok Conservation Trust, Lamu Marine Conservation Trust, Watamu Turtle Watch, Bongo Surveillance Project, Kibodo Trust, Tsavo Trust, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Big Life Foundation and Borana Conservancy.

According to Safaricom the marathon has supported the conservation of some of Kenya’s highly endangered species, notably the Black Rhino, the Leather-back Turtle, Grevy’s Zebra and Mountain Bongo. In addition, the funds support community initiatives around education, healthcare, employment and economic empowerment in different geographies, with beneficiaries spanning Central, Northern, Western, Rift and Coastal regions.

“The marathon’s phenomenal impact is far reaching across Kenya and the awareness it raises for our benefices’ projects spans across the globe, an achievement that everyone at Safaricom, Lewa and Tusk Trust is tremendously proud of. We have proven that when we run together we can protect our future.” said Mike Watson, CEO – Lewa Conservancy.

Keeping to the tradition of the title sponsor, Safaricom will donate KES 14.8 million.

The Safaricom Marathon is ranked as one of the world’s most challenging. It is at the top of the bucket list marathons as it allows you to run with the big five. The Safaricom Marathon will have three race categories: the 5KM Children’s Fun Run for 10 to 14 year olds and 15-17 year olds, the Half Marathon (21KM) for individuals, teams and corporates, and the Full Marathon (42KM), which is open to individual runners.

The event will be held on Saturday 30th June 2018. Registration opens on 1st March 2018. Visit https://www.safaricommarathon.com/  for more details.

Participate in the Safaricom Lewa Marathon and run for wildlife, run for community, run for fun.