Story
On Saturday 26th June I will be running a the Safaricom Marathon in Kenya and I am writing to you to ask if you will sponsor me.
I am running as part of a team called the Bob Cats and we are putting ourselves through this challenge to raise money for the Tusk Trust. This conservation charity helps improve the lives of the rural communities in Kenya through investment in sustainable development, education, healthcare, and wildlife.
All the money raised will go to Tusk's worthy cause.
I am running the full distance (26 miles) and have a sponsorship target of £1500 so I really need your help in reaching this figure.
Wish me luck (I’ll need it!) Ben x Here is some official info on the event….
Safaricom Marathon 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. However, runners of all abilities take part, from fun runners, walkers and amateurs, to professionals like Paul Tergat the Kenyan international and former world record holder. The event is run through some of East Africaʼs most beautiful scenery. Mount Kenya lies to the south and there are breath-taking views north towards Samburu and Mount Lololokwe. 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 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.
Here are some FAQ’s and answers.....
Q. Why are you doing this Ben ?
Hmmmm A mixture of a/ mid life crisis b/ i was drunk when I said I'd do it c/ it's a great charity d/ I was getting fat
Q. Am i ready for it?
in a word No. …..I am hurting just thinking about it.
Q. What is my target time?
The marathon is at 5500feet which apparently adds an hour or 2 onto your time…honestly! Thie altitude factor combine with the fact this is my first marathon I will be happy if I come in under 5 hours.
If there are lion sightings then I’ll be completing in around 2hrs 15
Q Will I be running in fancy dress?
I have had some requests /suggestions that I do it dressed as a gazelle just to spice things up a bit but to be honest I think it'll be scary enough…..so no.