MARATHON IN WILDERNESS!

Safaricom Lewa marathon. Kenya (26th June 2010)

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy was set up many years ago by a family that owned private land together with Conservationists and Philanthropists who got concerned with the fast dwindling numbers of the “Black Rhino” in Kenya and across Africa due to massive poaching for their precious horns. They set up the sanctuary, then recruited Game trackers, Veterinarians among other personnel who went on to track down, round up and relocate every Black Rhino in that part of Northern Kenya to a protected area. The founders of this conservancy adopted a community based style of wildlife conservation and this approach is what gave birth to the Lewa Marathon over 11 years ago. This marathon is run in June every year, since 1999 in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, with the funds raised invested in different projects geared towards benefitting sustainable development, education, health care for the communities living around and wildlife conservancy.

Lewa Marathon apart from being unique in nature (With the Giraffe & other animals being spectators!) is definitely one of Africa’s and the world’s toughest marathons that attracts over 1000 partcipants from both amateur and professional ranks that would include big names in the International world of athletics. The race which starts at 7 am has 3 entry categories, the first being the Full Marathon which is an individual event, then the second is the Half Marathon- a team event, allowing between 5-10 members. There is another special category for Children (5 km fun race for ages 10-14) and Spectators. The marathon covers a 21 km course on dirt roads that goes through the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and cuts across savannah plains, along river banks and acacia woodland with the beautiful Mt. Kenya in the background. The Prices of a Medal and a Goody bag for all who participate are given at a ceremony near the headquaters at 1230 pm.



Safety of the runners is assured by the professionally trained Kenya Wildlife Rangers who are deployed along route course at intervals plus Medical support provided by staff backed by Flying Doctors. The Conservancy offers accommodation in 3 categories, for this occasion – Self catering camp site where competitors and spectators bring all camping equipment and their food, Safaricom Village camp and Maridadi camp with the latter 2 offering Camping equipment inclusive of a full English breakfast, Buffet Lunch and a 3 course evening meal. The entry whether to run or watch is very competitive, booking well in advance is advised.

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