NAIROBI, Kenya โ The 2026 Lewa Safari Marathon organisers, Tusk and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, announced today, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, that the funds raised by participants will help safeguard several of Kenya’s most endangered wildlife and improve the livelihoods of rural communities.
Since the inaugural marathon in 2000, Sh 1.3 billion has been raised to support Kenyan projects that have doubled the number of Hawksbill turtles and more than doubled the number of young Grevy’s zebras.
Mountain bongos are safer in their habitats near Mount Kenya and the Aberdares, the only locations in the world where they are located, while rhinos, particularly black rhinos, have multiplied by a fourth in one reserve.
In addition to helping those endangered species, marathon funds funded numerous educational initiatives, over 40,000 clinic visits, and rural companies, including pastoralists and women-owned firms.
Hundreds of people from dozens of nations are anticipated to participate this year, and organisers predict that the event will raise about Sh 15 million. Kenyan and East African entries will start on March 27. International entries are already available. On June 27, the event will take place in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
Mike Watson, CEO of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, said that every step taken at the Lewa Safari Marathon powers real, measurable conservation impact.
โThrough the commitment of every runner and supporter, we are securing critical habitats, protecting endangered species, and building resilient communities with sustainable livelihoods. A huge thanks, as ever, to our invaluable event sponsors. This collective action ensures conservation works for people as well as wildlife for generations to come,โ said Mike.
What is the Lewa Safari Marathon all about?
Chantal Migongo-Bake of Tusk observed that the Lewa Safari Marathon is more than just a race.
โThis is a running challenge with purpose, a movement that unites runners from around the world in support of Kenyaโs extraordinary wildlife and communities,โ explained Chantal.
Chantal reiterated that the event continues to raise vital funds that innovate conservation efforts, protect critical landscapes and threatened species, and uplift livelihoods.
“The Lewa Safari Marathon is a testament to the impact we can achieve together for the future of Africaโs wild spaces,โ added Chantal.
Set within the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, the event includes a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and childrenโs race, all taking runners across sweeping savannah plains, along riverbanks, and through acacia woodland.
Inside the annual Lewa Safari Marathon
More than 25,000 runners from over 40 countries have taken part over the years, including Kenyan former marathon World Record Holders Eliud Kipchoge, Paul Tergat, and Catherine Ndereba.
Runner’s World recognises the Lewa Safari Marathon as one of the worldโs top ten amateur races.
Safaricom has been the eventโs main sponsor since it started, while Huawei has supported it for more than a decade. Their backing helped drive the raceโs long-term impact, as well as attracting other leading Kenyan brands and companies, which this year include ICEA Lion, Tropical Heat, Safarilink, AMREF, Ravenswood, Elewana and Land and Life.
All marathon partners provide core financial support, which ultimately enables wildlife conservation initiatives, strengthens local communities, and brings people closer to nature.
On his part, Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom, emphasised that for the past 26 years, the giant telecommunications firm has been part of the success story of the Lewa Safari Marathon.
โThis is a noble initiative that goes beyond sport, bringing people together to raise awareness and take meaningful action towards conserving our wildlife,โ Ndegwa said.
Safaricos plan to support the Lewa Safari Marathon
As part of Safaricomโs continued commitment, the firm will this year support the event to the tune of Sh 10 million.
โAs a purpose-led technology company, we are equally proud to enable conservation through connectivity, ensuring that Lewa remains digitally empowered to protect wildlife more effectively,โ stated Ndegwa.
Gao Fei, CEO of Huawei Kenya, said Huawei is delighted to have been a long-standing supporter of the Lewa Safari Marathon.
โThe Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is home to some of the most recognisable species and rarest wildlife on earth, and the difference the event has made in preserving these iconic species for future generations, as well as the surrounding communities, has been awe-inspiring,โ noted Fei.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its diverse habitats, it is home to more than 70 different animal species roaming the vast grasslands and more than 502 species of birds.
What runners should expect at the Lewa Safari Marathon
With one of the highest wildlife densities in Kenya, runners share the course with many iconic African species, including the Big Five.
As well as the marathon, Lewa has been a Tusk partner for over 25 years, with Tusk providing funds towards core operations, education, and wildlife translocation, as well as ranger support through the Wildlife Ranger Challenge.
The Lewa Safari Marathon has raised funds to support several Kenyan conservation organisations, including Big Life Foundation, Borana Conservancy, Grevyโs Zebra Trust, and Lamu Marine Conservation Trust.
Others include Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Lion Landscapes, Local Ocean Conservation, Maa Trust, Mountain Bongo Project, Mt Kenya Trust, Ngare Ndare Forest Trust, and Tsavo Trust.
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