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Safaricom Marathon 2010

 

The 11th Safaricom Marathon and Half Marathon will take place at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, 140 miles north of Nairobi on Saturday 26th June 2010.

Organised by Tusk and supported by Safaricom this fundraising event will host 1,000 runners from 20 different countries. The Safaricom Marathon is regarded as one of the toughest marathons in the world.

The event is run through some of ’s most beautiful scenery. Mount Kenya lies to the south and there are breath-taking views north towards Samburu and .

The heavily protected 65,000 acre wildlife sanctuary is home to over 100 rhino, herds of elephant and a vast assortment of plains game including zebra, giraffe, buffalo and much more.

The marathon is run on dirt roads, over two 21km loop for the half-marathon- through the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.

Over time, the Safaricom Marathon on the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy has gained reputation as one for being one of the ten toughest marathon events in the world.

Run on a rough terrain and under harsh climatic conditions, it is an enticing experience which has continued to inspire distance runners and athletic fans alike.

The gruelling marathon is also unique in that it is run within a wildlife conservancy located at an average altitude of 5,500 feet above sea level.

The route is watched over by a large and experienced team of armed rangers, with two helicopters and a spotter plane in the air throughout the race. Water stations and first aid points are situated every 2.5km along the course.

 

FUNDRAISING

The impact of the event has been huge and the benefits are very tangible. Since its inception the event has raised $2 million. Tusk and Lewa have always shared a common goal to use wildlife conservation as a catalyst to alleviate poverty, reduce conflict, and improve education and livelihoods in rural areas rich in biodiversity.

As such the funds raised from each event (In 2009 US$500,000 was raised) are invested in a wide range of projects benefiting sustainable development, education, healthcare, and wildlife. Our clear aim is to balance the needs of rural communities with the objective of preserving ’s unique natural heritage for future generations.