| This is one of our outline challenge itineraries.
If you are interested in running this as a fundraising
event, please contact us
for more information. If you are looking to take part
in a charity challenge please see upcoming
events.
The 11th Safaricom Marathon, Half Marathon and Children’s 5km Fun Run will take place at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy on Saturday the 26th of June 2010. This unique fundraising event allows the participants to compete in an internationally acclaimed event whilst running through some of Africa’s most breathtaking scenery. The event, which is jointly organised by Safaricom, Tusk Trust and Lewa is expected to host 1000 runners from over 20 countries around the world.
The Safaricom Marathon is classed as one of the endurance marathons in the world – run at an average altitude of 5,500ft and in the heat of the African sun it is not for the faint hearted. However, runners of all abilities take part, from fun runners, walkers and amateurs, to professionals like Paul Tergat and Catherine Ndereba the Kenyan International long distance runners.
The marathon is run on dirt roads, over two 21km loops (one loop for the half-marathon) and is watched over by an experienced team of armed rangers. A helicopter and spotter plane are in the air throughout. Water stations and first aid points are situated every 2.5km along the course and emergency medical back up is provided by AMREF the flying doctors. Accommodation is provided for all the runners, with over 2,000 people camping at Lewa on the night before the race. A post race party, with live music, is enjoyed by everyone after the event with the celebrations carrying on well into the night!
The Safaricom Marathon is a fundraising event, and although it has helped to heighten interest in running throughout Kenya, the main purpose of the event it to raise much needed funds for wildlife conservation, community development, health and education projects Kenya wide. Many Kenyan companies support the event and help to raise significant amounts of money for a wide range of causes. To date US$1.75 million has been raised by the event.
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