Registration for the event, launched on 14 March in Nairobi, opens on Wednesday 15 March with organisers hoping for another successful event.
Telecommunication giant Safaricom has sponsored this year’s Lewa Safari Marathon set for the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy on 24 June to a tune of Ksh 10 million.
Registration for the event, launched on 14 March in Nairobi, opens on Wednesday 15 March with organisers hoping for another successful event.
Now in its 24th edition, the breath-taking race notorious for its challenging yet captivating terrain is one of the world’s and incredible wildlife experiences. And has been voted one of the top ten races to run in your life by Runner’s World.
“We are proud to be part of this noble cause as we run to create awareness and take action to conserve our wildlife. We have been part of Lewa Safari Marathon’s journey of success since its inception in 2000.
Today, we are proud to extend our partnership as we sponsor the event for Ksh 10 million. The event means a lot to us as a company because we aim to support the growth and development of sports talents, while conserving the country’s environment and wildlife.” Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said.
This year participants are encouraged to ‘Ditch the Desk’ and break free, run wild, breathe nature and make a positive impact on the wildlife and communities of northern Kenya and beyond.
The annual event has hosted runners of all abilities for almost two and a half decades, from elite professionals like Marathon world record holder Eliud Kipchoge, to amateur runners and walkers alike.
“To me, a running world is a happy world. We are all part of the human family and we must keep strong and stay fit for our wellbeing. By running together, we can also conserve our environment, empower our communities, take care of our wildlife and support those at Lewa working for a future for us all,” Kipchoge said.
The Lewa Safari Marathon is not just a personal challenge. This unique event has supported conservation projects across Kenya for over 20 years. By taking part, every single participant plays a huge role in helping local communities and raising awareness of the threats facing Africa’s incredible biodiversity.
Sheng Kaifu, Deputy CEO, Huawei shared said the company is delighted to have supported the Lewa Safari Marathon for the past 16 years. “The conservancy is home to some of the rarest wildlife and we know through our support and that of Safaricom, a difference has been made in preserving these iconic species for future generations as well as the surrounding communities.”
Since its inception in 2000 the race has raised over Ksh 1billion in support of conservation and community initiatives throughout Kenya. Nearly half of that has been invested in the direct protection of endangered species, other wildlife and their habitats.
Reflecting on the event, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy CEO Mike Watson said that as the world faces unprecedented threats to the planet, it is essential that everyone acts to protect wildlife and its habitats.
“This event is not only an opportunity to challenge yourself and connect with nature, but it is also a way to make a positive impact on the communities and wildlife of northern Kenya and beyond. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this unique opportunity to disconnect from our screens and connect with nature on June 24 in Kenya's most spectacular wildlife conservancy,” Watson said.
