Destination Kenya: Lewa Safari Marathon
The Lewa Safari Marathon key phrase is "Run Wild" for a reason - you are indeed running with the wild. It’s hard to find an event that tops the thrill of running remote trails over hilly terrain at 5,550ft, through one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife conservancies. This full or half-marathon course promises to challenge your comfort zone!
Not only will you run in the footsteps of local Kenyan marathon greats Paul Tergat and Catherine Ndereba who have graced the marathon course, but you will also run alongside gazelle, giraffe, rhino and more. Since the event’s start in 2000, over $7.5m has been raised for projects across Kenya through Tusk and the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. You will have the opportunity to see first hand the amazing local projects being funded by your fundraising when we visit the community school, hear about conservancy efforts from the park guides and Tusk leads, and explore current sustainable projects.
“From sunrise safaris to interacting with the children in the community school programs to raising funds for wildlife conservation to running alongside Kenyans, enjoying sundowners over Lewa Conservancy, and sleeping under the stars in an African game park - the Lewa Marathon is an experience like no other. I cannot wait to return to Kenya to step foot on this course once again!”
T H E R U N D O W N
Month/Time of Year: June
Travel Time: 17-20h flight from East Coast
Weather: Dry & Hot (cold at night like desert) - can range from mid 40's night to high 80's during day!
Terrain: Trail & Hills
All the Feels: Hot, Hilly, Dusty, Wild! (A most excellent challenge)
Event Size: 1,200 runners (about 800 in the half-marathon)
Entry Component: Fundraiser - Minimum Fundraising $2,500 & Guaranteed via FIT travel package
Best for: Adventure Travel, Trail Race, Wildlife, Challenge, Exotic Race, Charity, Education, Bucket List
E X P E R I E N C E K E N Y A W I T H F I T
Take on this bucket list adventure without the stress of planning. Make your way to Nairobi where you’ll meet the FIT team and spend one night before flying to the Lewa AirStrip where we spend three nights in a tented camp. Enjoy pre-race runs, briefings, visits to see the community projects your fundraising dollars help support (a favorite is the local children’s school), safari on the marathon course and of course, run the marathon! We will celebrate your finish fire-side at camp and with a sundowner alongside your fellow runners. Opt to head home the next day or join the highly recommended safari extension in the Masai Mara! Here you’ll continue to seek the Big Five, join a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Mara, and relax riverside in your luxury tented camp. FIT has experience in custom packages to gorilla trek in Rwanda or Uganda or visit Victoria Falls.
U N F O R G E T T A B L E M E M O R I E S
Words really cannot describe the atmosphere of this event. With 70+ marathons under her belt, this one remains in Kelly’s top five for so many reasons. Not only are you running in the wild, but you’re also surrounded by wildlife and over the years Kelly has had some memorable incidences with animals. A favorite is when she misplaced the sports bra that she was meant to race in. She was convinced that a camp monkey had come into the tent and stolen it! While searching for the missing item (which thankfully ended up being under her pillow all along), all Kelly could imagine was seeing a monkey the next morning running around at the start line in her gear!
- Hakuna matata -
