The 25th edition of the annual Lewa Marathon is scheduled June 8th in Lewa Conservancy,Isiolo county.
Organised by international conservation organisation Tusk and Kenya’s Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, the annual event has raised over KSh1.3 billion – US $9 million – since the first race in 2000. The marathon has become a beacon for wildlife conservation, community development, healthcare, and education across Kenya.
Safaricom the key partners of the race looked back at the event that they have supported since inception:
“For 25 years, we have supported the Lewa Marathon, a cause that goes beyond conserving Lewa Conservancy to uplifting the surrounding communities, aligning perfectly with our purpose of transforming lives. As both the marathon and Safaricom mark 25 years in 2025, we are proud to commit KES 10 million to this year’s edition”, remarked Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa
Gao Fei, CEO of Huawei Kenya, said: “Huawei is delighted to have supported the Lewa Safari Marathon for the past 17 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”
The funds have been instrumental in protecting the critically endangered mountain bongo, a rare species found exclusively in the mountains of central Kenya. They have also supported conservation efforts for Kenya’s Grevy’s zebra and black rhino—both critically endangered—as well as some of East Africa’s last remaining ‘super-tusker’ elephants.
Nick Bubb, Chief Executive of Tusk, said: “The Lewa Safari Marathon is more than just a race – it’s a marathon with purpose; a movement that has, for 25 years, united runners from around the world in support of Kenya’s extraordinary wildlife and communities. Through the event, we have raised vital funds that drive conservation efforts, protect threatened species, and uplift local livelihoods. Celebrating this quarter century milestone reminds of the power of collective action and the impact we can achieve together for the future of Africa’s natural heritage.”
Mike Watson, CEO of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, said: “The Lewa Safari Marathon embodies the deep connection between conservation and community. At Lewa, we envision a future where all Kenyans value, protect, and benefit from wildlife, and this event continues to be a powerful force in making that vision a reality. As one of Kenya’s pioneering conservancies, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Man and Biosphere Reserve, Lewa has seen remarkable growth in wildlife populations and biodiversity.”
Since 2000, more than 25,000 runners from over 40 countries have participated, earning it recognition from Runner’s World as one of the world’s top ten amateur races.
The event encompasses 42km full marathon, a 21km half-marathon, a 10km race and a 5km distance for younger runners.
