The Lewa Marathon and Running Safaris in Kenya.
Lewa Marathon, 2 July 2005
The Safaricom Lewa Marathon is held in June or July each year at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Runners from all over the world are invited to enter for the race, which has built up a reputation for being one of the ten toughest marathons in the world. Run at an average altitude of 5,500 feet it is unique in being the only race of its kind run within a game reserve. The event was established in 2000 with the aim to raise much needed funds for conservation and community projects in and around northern Kenya.
The marathon is run on dirt roads over a 26 mile course (with a half marathon race run over 13 miles) around the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in northern Kenya . This 61,000 acre wildlife conservancy is home to 65 rhino, herds of elephant and a vast assortment of game including oryx, eland, zebra, giraffe and buffalo as well as the big cats. Competitors run through some of Africa's most breathtaking scenery over-looked by Mount Kenya to the south and stunning views towards Samburu and Mount Ol Lolokwe in the north.
The race is watched over by a large and experienced team of armed rangers. In the air a helicopter and spotter plane maintain a close eye on the wildlife and ensure that larger species do not get too close to the runners. Water stations and first aid points are provided along the course. Emergency medical back up is provided by a team from AMREF.
The event is open to runners of all ability, including walkers, joggers and those who want the chance to compete against a number of the world's leading long distance athletes.
Last year's entrants included Paul Tergat, the world record holder for the full and half marathon distances, Catherine Ndereba, previous world record holder and Joyce Chepchumba, a previous winner of the London, New York, and Boston Marathons.
Since its inception in 2000, the Safaricom Marathon has raised over KSH 30,000,000 (US$400,000) for a range of projects in northern Kenya . Last year's event raised KSH 7,360,890 (US$100,000). Every runner is asked to raise KSH 50,000 in sponsorship, which is then distributed to conservation, education, healthcare and community development projects in Northern Kenya.
Entries - Extreme Safari can assist with coordinating entries as well as arranging internatioal air travel, providing transport to and from Lewa, accommodation and a range of other activities both before and after the event.
For further information email: info@extreme-safari.com
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Running safaris with Douglas Wakiihuri.
7 day / 6 night running safari with former World Champion and Olympic Silver Medalist, Doubglas Wakihuri.
Price: From US$2,000 per person, including transport, accommodation and drinks.
Further details available on request.
Contact us: email info@extreme-safari.com or call +44 (0)207 652 7577 or +44 (0)7818 007 163.
