A Guide To Lewa Marathon
Lewa Downs, a private ranch and rhino conservation area, hosts an annual marathon in June. Lewa Marathon is run over a bush course that winds its way across open plains, forest and hills. This is a charity fund-raiser set up to raise money for the conservation of wildlife, in particular rhinos.
The Lewa Marathon is an annual fund raising event held at Lewa Downs, about 140 miles (230 km) north of Nairobi, Kenya. The 42.195-kilometre (26.219 mi) endurance race is sponsored by Safaricom in partnership with the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in order 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’.
One of the more notable characteristics of the Lewa Marathon is the setting in which it takes place. The race takes place on the Lewa wildlife conservancy, a game park that is home a variety of large African wildlife to include lions, elephants, rhinoceros, and the greatly feared cape buffalo. There are no physical barriers separating the runners from the wildlife, making Lewa a unique experience in the running world. The course consists of two 20.0975-kilometre (12.4880 mi) loops that are ran 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 temperature 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.
Running a marathon race on an African wildlife preserve does present some unique security risks. The Lewa Conservancy is host to several large African predators that include lions, leopards, hyenas, wild dogs, and cheetahs. Security patrols of experienced, armed rangers from the Kenyan Wildlife Service guard the course to ensure the safety of the runners. In support of ground efforts, two helicopters and one spotter plane keep an eye out for any possible threats.
Since the first event was held in 2000, the Lewa Marathon has become widely known for its difficult terrain and harsh climate, drawing competitors and spectators from all over the world. Some of the more notable competitors include 2004 Olympic silver medalist Catherine Ndereba and former marathon world record holder Paul Tergat
The impact of the Lewa Marathon on the local Kenyan community has become stronger each year. 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. In 2007,over $60,000 USD were provided to a local school in order to build and furnish two new classrooms, a library, and a gate for the school compound. Over $30,000 was used to buy medical supplies and equipment such as digital blood pressure machines, stretchers, and beds for local hospitals. Every year funds from the marathon are allocated to the Nanyuki Cottage Hospital specifically to provide care for animal injury victims.
While the Lewa Marathon gives generously to the surrounding communities of Northern Kenya, its main purpose is to support wildlife conservation. Funds raised from the marathon help support a staff of over 140 armed rangers that protect the animal residents of the Lewa Conservancy. Lewa is the home of over 80 black and white rhinoceros, both of which are endangered. The preserve also boasts a large population of endangered Grevy’s zebra.
Lewa Marathon Race Categories
The Marathon have three race categories:
- 5KM Children’s Fun Run for 10 to 14 year olds and 15-17 year olds
- Half Marathon (21KM) for individuals, teams and corporates
- Full Marathon (42KM), which is open to individual runners
The course is set on dirt roads that take the runners through the conservancy — across savannah plains, along river banks and through acacia woodland.
Lewa Marathon Contacts
Attraction Type: Special Interest
Category: Special Event
Region: Mt. Kenya
City / Town: Isiolo
Telephone: 254 722 203562 254 722 203563
Email: info@lewa.org
Website: http://www.lewa.org
Entrance Fee: Yes
More About Kenya
Kenya is a world unto itself. Kenya is Africa’s original safari destination, attracting explorers, adventurers, and travelers for centuries. A safari to Kenya is a trip of a lifetime.
Tourist Attractions in Kenya:
Kenya has one of the world’s greatest tourist attractions sites, known for its diversity of landscape, wildlife, and cultures. From sweeping savannahs to tropical beaches and coral reef, dense equatorial forests to mighty snow-capped mountains, and more.
For more information visit: Tourists Attractions in Kenya
Kenya Safari
Kenya is the ultimate safari destination, providing travelers with a window into the heart of Africa. But this is not all that Kenya has to offer. Located near the equator, Kenya´s magic lies in the fact that the country encompasses an astounding variety of landscapes and climates, flora and fauna, as well as communities and cultures, home to water sports, a swim with dolphins and adventure.
For more information visit: Kenya Safari
Hotels and Accommodation in Kenya
Hotels in Kenya vary enormously in price and facilities. Luxury hotels in Kenya offer excellent standards of service and are comparable to the best hotels anywhere in the world. Kenya’s abundance of natural produce, combined with the rich variety of cultures and traditions, has created a great culinary nation.
The fertile volcanic soil of the Rift Valley produces a bounty of fresh vegetables, while the coast is a great source of tropical fruit and fresh seafood. The Kenyan coast is also the home of the world-renowned Swahili cuisine, a blend of Middle Eastern and African cooking with a particular coastal twist.
For more information visit: Hotels in Kenya
Towns in Kenya
Apart from the towns of Nairobi , Mombasa, Kisumu and Nakuru, Kenya has other major towns each a unique representation of the country’s striking abundance in flora and fauna. Most of these towns are headquarters in their respective counties or major economic bases in their regions. Luxury hotels and lodges located here provide good accommodation and conferencing facilities for guests who dare to try out a taste different from the capital or the coast.
For more information visit: Towns in Kenya
The Kenyan People Culture and Tradition
Kenya’s culture blends together diverse tribes, traditions, and religions into one beautiful, well-woven tapestry. These traditions complement each other while incorporating the modern influences of globalization – resulting in a vibrant cultural spirit that is uniquely Kenyan. Kenya has over 42 different tribes with different languages and several dialects. Kenyan tourism has made the Maasai and Samburu tribes the most famous because of their long preserved culture.
For more information visit: Kenya People and Tribes