By Stacy Boit,
Nairobi Organizers Tusk and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy today launched the 2026 Lewa Safari Marathon. The event aims to raise vital funds to protect Kenya’s endangered species and support livelihoods in neighboring rural communities.
The KSh1.3 billion raised since the first marathon in 2000 has helped fund Kenyan initiatives contributing to a doubling of Hawksbill turtles and more than doubling of young Grevy’s zebras. Rhinos, including black rhinos, increased by a quarter in one reserve, and mountain bongos are safer in their habitats around Mt Kenya and the Aberdares, the only places they are found in the world.
Alongside support to those endangered species, marathon funds also covered costs for more than 40,000 clinic visits, funded dozens of school programmes, and supported rural enterprises including pastoralists and women-led businesses.
This year, hundreds of participants from dozens of countries are expected to take part and organisers estimate the event will raise more than KSh15m. International entries are already open and those for Kenya and East Africa open on March 27. The race will be held at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy on June 27.
“Each step in the Lewa Safari Marathon drives measurable conservation,” said CEO Mike Watson. “By securing habitats and supporting resilient communities, this collective effort bolstered by our sponsors ensures a sustainable future for both people and wildlife.”
“The Lewa Safari Marathon is a purpose-driven movement uniting global runners to protect Kenya’s wildlife and landscapes,” said Chantal Migongo-Bake of Tusk. “This event raises vital funds to innovate conservation and uplift livelihoods, proving the impact we can achieve together for Africa’s wild spaces.”
The Lewa Safari Marathon features a full and half marathon, a 10K, and a children’s race across savannahs and acacia woodlands. Recognized by Runner’s World as a top-ten global amateur race, it has hosted over 25,000 runners from 40 countries, including legends like Eliud Kipchoge, Paul Tergat, and Catherine Ndereba.
Long-term sponsors Safaricom and Huawei have anchored the race’s impact, attracting key Kenyan brands like National Bank of Kenya, ICEA Lion, and AMREF. Their financial backing directly funds wildlife conservation, strengthens local communities, and connects people with nature.
“For 26 years, Safaricom has proudly supported the Lewa Safari Marathon,” said CEO Peter Ndegwa. “This year, we are contributing KES 10 million to this noble cause. As a purpose-led company, we are also providing the connectivity needed to ensure Lewa is digitally empowered to protect wildlife effectively.”
“Huawei is delighted to remain a long-standing supporter of the Lewa Safari Marathon,” said CEO Gao Fei. “The event’s impact on preserving iconic species and supporting surrounding communities is truly awe-inspiring.”
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy boasts one of Kenya’s highest wildlife densities, including the Big Five and over 502 bird species. Beyond its famous marathon, Lewa has partnered with Tusk for over 25 years to fund vital conservation, education, and ranger support programs.
The Lewa Safari Marathon has raised funds to support a number of Kenyan conservation organisations including Big Life Foundation, Borana Conservancy, Grevy’s Zebra Trust, Lamu Marine Conservation Trust, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Lion Landscapes, Local Ocean Conservation, Maa Trust, Mountain Bongo Project, Mt Kenya Trust, Ngare Ndare Forest Trust, and Tsavo Trust.
