All You Need To Know About The Lewa Safari Marathon 2023

The Lewa Safari Marathon is an annual charity event held at the Lewa Conservancy. The marathon has been running for 23 years and raises funds towards community programs and wildlife conservation. It’s organised by Huawei, Safaricom and Tusk Trust, a foundation that supports communities with donor funding to maximise the impact of grassroots initiatives.

The race has also gained a reputation as one of the world’s toughest marathons. It has been happening for 23 years, and has raised $8.8 million. The money has funded conservation, school infrastructure, equipping health facilities, and enabling sustainable water harvesting.

The 2023 Lewa Safari Marathon will take place on June 24th at the Lewa Conservancy. Safaricom will be sponsoring it with Ksh 10 million. It also has had a vested interest in the event, with the CEO Peter Ndegwa winning the 10km 2022 edition.

Registration Process 

Registration for East African (Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania) residents started on the Kenyan website of the Lewa Conservancy from March 15th. You can register as an individual, in groups of five-nine or groups of ten. Private and corporate groups pay a registration fee of Ksh 180,000, individuals and groups of 5 to 9 pay Ksh 20,000 per person while kids registering for the children’s race pay Sh3,000 per child. Runners must also pay for AMREF evacuation cover for Sh1,500 each if they don’t have any.

All runners are expected at the start of the race by 7am and registration ends by 6.30 am on race day. Accommodation is available at a campsite where you must provide all your camping equipment. There is also the option of the Location Africa Camp, where you must book and register by contacting 0724 926 571 or emailing africafilms@africaonline.co.ke.

For international residents, registration on the international website. Spectators, individual runners, and corporate teams all have to register. Prices are £150 per person for adults participating in the marathons as runners or spectators. The children’s race is £50 per child. 

The Lewa Safari Marathon 

The race is run on a game reserve and animals will be seen during the race. When running, stay on the designated course and only use the official toilets if required. The course will be patrolled at all times and there will be armed rangers located around the course. A helicopter and Supercub light aircraft monitor the movements of the large species during the race.

Proceeds from the marathon have been used to support the recovery of Kenya’s black rhino population from the brink of extinction, protect the endangered Grevy’s zebra, and providing healthcare, water and improved infrastructure for communities, to funding Lewa education programmes, the funds this marathon raises are invaluable to thousands across the country.

Prizes

Upon completion of the race, each runner is presented with a medal and goody bag. Prizes for race and age group categories are awarded at a prize giving ceremony at 12.30pm.