The Lewa Safari Marathon has helped raise over Sh 1.3 billion since its inception in 2000, for the protection of endangered species and their habitats.
Kenya's iconic species are well protected and thriving today, partly thanks to the world-famous marathon, whose proceeds go to the protection of endangered wildlife.
Over time, the marathon has helped to protect one in seven of Kenya’s rhinos, one in four of its Grevy’s zebras, all of its mountain bongos and its last few remaining ‘super-tusker’ elephants.
Some of them face existential threats from unsustainable agriculture, poaching, deforestation and climate change effects such as droughts and floods.
Sponsored by major Kenyan companies led by Safaricom, the race combines corporate philanthropy and international fundraising for conservation and community initiatives for the underprivileged.
More than 25,000 amateur and professional runners from 40 countries have participated in the annual races over the last 25 years.
Ivy Wairimu, Tusk’s programmes manager, said by investing in these conservation efforts that protect flagship species, the Lewa Safari Marathon has made significant contributions to wildlife conservation in Kenya.
“This year, to mark the 25th anniversary of the Marathon, we aim to raise an additional $1 million for these causes. Tusk's goal is to increase vital protection for endangered species by working with African-driven conservation organisations, while also reducing poverty through sustainable development and education in rural communities living alongside wildlife,” Wairimu said.
"The Lewa Safari Marathon is an excellent way to achieve both of these goals through one corporate philanthropy initiative.”
Chief of programmes and partnerships at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy John Kinoti said the marathon has become a prominent brand and a cultural phenomenon.
“It’s not just marked on calendars; it’s ingrained in the culture. Every year at the end of June, people eagerly anticipate the marathon. It has evolved from an event into a movement," Kinoti said.
"Over the past 25 years, well-managed wildlife habitats have shown that animals can become accustomed to occasional human presence. This well-managed environment ensures the wildlife is comfortable, with enough space and food, reducing any stress or security concerns.”
The international magazine Runner's World recognises the Lewa Marathon as one of the top ten amateur races globally.
The event includes a 42km full marathon, a 21km half-marathon, and shorter races for younger runners.
It takes place in a wildlife reserve 200km north of Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, where participants run through the unfenced habitat of animals including elephants, rhinos, giraffes, and buffalo.
Donations to 10 grassroots Kenyan conservation groups helped protect 14 per cent of the nation's 2,000 rhinos, including facilitating 200 black and white rhino births on the Lewa-Borana landscape.
Two of the 10 organisations the Lewa Safari Marathon has funded are the Grevy’s Zebra Trust and the Bongo Surveillance Project.
Donations have built new classrooms, supported teachers’ incomes, bought textbooks and funded meals at 27 schools, helping give 10,000 children a better start in life.
Other grants went to six hospitals and clinics providing essential medical services in remote areas. Funding also supported the operations of 45 community conservancies.
It has protected 25 per cent of the endangered Grevy’s zebra population in Kenya, the last 140 endangered mountain bongos in the country, and the endangered hawksbill turtle, among others.
David Kimiti, Director of Research and Impact, at Grevy’s Zebra Trust, said they have received support from funding that enables them to patrol the area through their warrior program
They are also able to engage communities via the grasslands champion program and track the movement, abundance and distribution of Grevy’s zebras in Laisamis region.
“When supplementary feeding is necessary, the marathon funding provides the logistical support we need for our feeding program year-round across the region. Without this funding, our effectiveness would be significantly reduced, as we rely on it for logistics, which is the backbone of our work,” Kimiti said.
Assistant Manager and Conservation Education Programmes Co-coordinator, Bongo Surveillance Project, Peter Munene, said over the years, the funding has impacted greatly by providing funds for operations continuity.
“We have increased forest foot patrol from 50 per cent to 90 per cent, reducing illegal forest activities and making bongo habitat secure and healthy, leading to bongo population increasing by 10 per cent yearly," he said.
"Marathon funding helped us buy new gear for better monitoring, helped us increase the schools where we run environmental conservation programs from eight to 13, and paid for us to give schools water tanks and rainwater harvesting systems.”
Corporate sponsors have played a vital role in the marathon’s success.
Safaricom, the main sponsor since the event’s inception, has driven its growth and impact.
Safaricom spokesperson said they have committed over Sh 350 million to this cause, with Sh 25 million dedicated to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy this year alone.
Huawei, supporting the race for over a decade, and other occasional sponsors including Access Bank, ICEA Lion, Highlands, EABL, Amref, Safarilink, Seacom, Madison Insurance and Nation Media Group, have provided the financial backbone necessary to sustain and expand these conservation and community initiatives.