Safaricom Marathon is back for the 20th edition with over 1400 athletes expected to participate in this year’s edition dubbed the Safaricom Lewa Marathon set for June 29th, with the event, which is meant to raise funds for wildlife conservation as well as community development.
Champion Philemon Baaru, who retained the Men’s title for a record 6th time, and Jane Ngima, who emerged victorious in the women’s race, will be hoping to replicate last year’s performance. The partnership between Safaricom, Tusk and Lewa has over the years positively impacted communities and wildlife from Mount Kenya to the coast; across two world heritage sites; protecting species as large as the elephant and as small as a baby turtle.
The Marathon over the last 19 editions has transformed the lives of the communities it serves. It has given them access to health, clean water and education, the Marathon has also enabled over 10,000 children get education, while 40,000 people now have access to healthcare and 50,000 people annually benefit from agroforestry, irrigation and infrastructure initiatives.
To mark its 20th Edition, the marathon seeks to raise KES 100 million; 20 times the amount it raised in the year 2000. The Marathon will have three categories of runners which include; 5km children’s fun race for children aged 10 to 17 years, the 21 km half marathon which will include team races and the 42km full marathon.