.The first Lewa Marathon event was held in 2000
.The 2020 edition of the race was canceled due to the Covid-19 with all registrants having the option of either obtaining a full refund (minus transaction fees) or transferring their entry to 2021
.The 2009 event raised approximately $500,000 U.S. dollars that have been distributed to various charitable organizations in support of education, health, community development, and wildlife conservation throughout Kenya
Lewa Marathon is set to make its physical comeback on June 25 this year at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy after two years of hit by the Covid-19 that saw it organized and held virtually.
This is according to the Chief executive officer of the cewa Marathon is set for physical comeback this year at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy after two years of hit by the Covid-19onservancy, Mike Watson who was speaking during the launch of the annual marathon, which will be sponsored by various institutions, including Safaricom, Huawei, Kenya Breweries Limited, and Tetra Pak.
Stakeholders during the launch of the annual marathon, which will be sponsored by various institutions, including Safaricom, Huawei, Kenya Breweries Limited, and Tetra Pak. Photo Courtesy/Tusk
“While still providing an exciting and exhilarating marathon experience, the Lewa Safari Marathon 2022 aims to be the most environmentally friendly event Lewa has hosted to date,” Watson said.
Watson added that their drive was inspired by the urgent need to reduce their carbon footprint describing as an example of the role sports can play in enhancing environmental change.
“This drive is inspired by the urgent need to reduce our carbon footprint, which aligns with our ethos and standards as we strive to be a model for biodiversity and ecosystem preservation,” he added.
Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa echoed Watson’s comments that sports can transform people’s lives for the better and promised to remain committed to supporting the marathon because it continues to transform the lives of different people.
Safaricom Chief Human Resource PLC Paul Kamau (L) posing with a cheque worth 10 million to support the Lewa Safari Marathon with Chief executive officer of the conservancy, Mike Watson (c) and John Kinoti (R) Community Development Manager Lewa Marathon at Sarova Stanley Nairobi. Photo/Courtesy Tusk
“The Lewa Safari Marathon brings together three things that we care about as a company; Sports, Community, and Conservation. We remain committed to supporting the marathon because we have seen how it continues to transform lives and that speaks to the essence of our purpose,” Ndegwa said.
Huawei who is one of the stakeholders was represented by its deputy CEO for public affairs, Fiona Pan who on her side said it’s the key pillar of their sustainability strategy.
“Environmental sustainability is a key pillar of Huawei’s sustainability strategy and that is why this marathon is and continues to be a key activity that we support together with our partner Safaricom.”
Lewa Safari Marathon
Lewa Safari Marathon is an annual fundraising event held at Lewa Downs, about 140 miles (230 km) north of Nairobi, Kenya.
The 42.195-kilometer (26.219 mi) endurance race is sponsored by Safaricom in partnership with the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Tusk to raise funds for numerous community development and wildlife conservation efforts. Most well known for its unique setting Runner’s World Magazine included the Lewa Marathon as being, ‘One of the top ten races to run in your life.
Course
The race takes place on the Lewa wildlife conservancy, Home to a variety of large African wildlife including lions, elephants, rhinoceros, and the greatly feared cape buffalo.
It consists of two 20.0975-kilometer (12.4880 mi) loops that are run on a dirt road that ordinarily serves as a four-wheel-drive trail for safari vehicles.
The average elevation of the course is 5,500 feet (1,700 m) above sea level. Located within one hundred miles of the equator, the sun can bring afternoon temperatures as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit all year round. The elevation, when combined with the equatorial sun have proven to test even the most seasoned marathon runners
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