The 25th edition of the Lewa Safari Marathon, slated for June 29, targets to raise Sh139m — a significant increase from last year's Sh62.5m.
Registration for the marathon opens on Thursday at 8:00 am at lewasafarimarathon.co.ke. The organisers have increased the number of participants from 1,200 to 1,500.
Entry fees remain unchanged: Sh20,000 for the full and half marathons, Sh50,000 for the executive 10km race and Sh3,000 for the kids 5km run.
The cash award for the full and half marathon remains intact with the winner receiving Sh150,000.
The runners-up and second runners-up will pocket Sh80,000 and Sh.60,000 respectively.
Meanwhile, sponsors Safaricom have increased their sponsorship from Sh10m to Sh25m.
Safaricom's Zizwe Awuor emphasised the marathon's impact in the community, highlighting Safaricom's commitment since day one.
“Safaricom has been a sponsor since day one. It was initially known as the Safaricom Lewa marathon. Last year we donated Sh10 million, this year we are more than doubling it to Sh.25 million."
The marathon has empowered the community from Manyangaio women’s group, a microfinance women group of 25-30, to schools such as Mtuge.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Community Development Manager, John Kinoti said: “For 25 years, the Lewa Safari Marathon has been forging connections in multiple dimensions."
"This has ensured that the legacy of conservation continues to thrive for generations to come.”
He thanked Safaricom and Huawei — who have sponsored the marathon for 25 and 15 years respectively.
“Your contributions have been instrumental in fueling our conservation initiatives and empowering communities to become stewards of their natural heritage,” Kinoti stated.
Sarah Watson, director of programmes at TUSK Kenya, said: “The Lewa Marathon is not only an opportunity to challenge yourself and connect with nature, but is also a way to make a positive impact."
The marathon, known for its scenic route and wildlife sightings, attracts runners from over 30 countries and has been recognised by Runner's World as one of the top ten races globally.
Watson said they will revert to some of their pre-Covid traditions.
“Pre-Covid, we used to have a festival. We had to shelf it for the past two years. We will reinstate it this year. There will be a big concert after the marathon and prize giving,” She noted.
