By Eddah Waithaka
Organizers Tusk and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy launched the 2026 Lewa Safari Marathon today, announcing that funds raised by runners over the past quarter-century have dramatically reversed the decline of several of Kenya’s most endangered species while uplifting rural communities.
The KSh1.3 billion raised since the first marathon in 2000 has fueled Kenyan conservation initiatives that doubled Hawksbill turtle populations and more than doubled young Grevy’s zebra numbers.
Rhinos, including black rhinos, increased by a quarter in one reserve, and mountain bongos now face fewer threats in their habitats around Mt Kenya and the Aberdares, the only places on earth where they still exist.
Alongside the endangered species recovery, marathon funds covered costs for more than 40,000 clinic visits, funded dozens of school programmes, and supported rural enterprises including pastoralist groups and women-led businesses.
Organizers expect hundreds of participants from dozens of countries to take part this year, with the event projected to raise more than KSh15 million.
International entries opened today, while registration for Kenya and East Africa begins on March 27. The race will take place at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy on June 27.
“Every step taken at the Lewa Safari Marathon powers real, measurable conservation impact,” said Mike Watson, CEO of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
“Through the commitment of every runner and supporter, we secure critical habitats, protect endangered species, and build 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.”
Chantal Migongo-Bake of Tusk described the event as more than a race. “The Lewa Safari Marathon is a running challenge with purpose, a movement that unites runners from around the world in support of Kenya’s extraordinary wildlife and communities,” she said.
“This incredible 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 Africa’s wild spaces.”
The event, set within the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, offers a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and children’s race. Courses sweep runners across savannah plains, along riverbanks, and through acacia woodland.
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 ranks the Lewa Safari Marathon among the world’s top ten amateur races.
Safaricom has served as the event’s main sponsor since its inception, while Huawei has supported it for more than a decade. Their backing helped drive the race’s long-term impact and attracted other leading Kenyan brands and companies.
This year’s sponsors include ICEA Lion, Tropical Heat, Safarilink, AMREF, Elewana, and Land and Life. All marathon partners provide core financial support that enables wildlife conservation initiatives, strengthens local communities, and brings people closer to nature.
“For the past 26 years, we have proudly been part of the success story of the Lewa Safari Marathon,” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom. “This is a noble initiative that goes beyond sport, bringing people together to raise awareness and take meaningful action towards conserving our wildlife. As part of our continued commitment, we will this year support the event to the tune of KES 10 million. As 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.”
Jason Feng Shen, Huawei Kenya’s Safaricom Key Account Director, noted the company’s long-standing role. “Huawei is delighted to have been a long-standing supporter of the Lewa Safari Marathon, now for the 19th year running, an initiative that closely aligns with our #Tech4All commitment to applying technology to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges,” he said.
“Set within the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, home to some of the most iconic and rare wildlife species on earth, the marathon has made an awe-inspiring impact in preserving biodiversity while uplifting surrounding communities. We are proud to continue supporting this remarkable event with innovative solutions that help advance conservation efforts for future generations.”
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hosts more than 70 animal species across its vast grasslands and over 500 bird species. With one of the highest wildlife densities in Kenya, runners share the course with iconic African species including the Big Five.
Lewa has partnered with Tusk for more than 25 years, with Tusk providing funds toward core operations, education, wildlife translocation, and ranger support through the Wildlife Ranger Challenge.
The Lewa Safari Marathon has raised funds to support a coalition 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.
