Running News Daily

Fridah Chepkite Lodepa gunning for a seventh Lewa Safari Marathon title

Decorated Fridah Chepkite Lodepa will head for a seventh title in the 24th edition of Lewa Safari Marathon to be held at the Lewa Conservancy in Isiolo County on June 24.

The mother of three embarked on intense training on January 10 at her base in Iten with her Cloud Nine Athletics Club in readiness to defend the women’s 42Km category she dominated last year in the annual race whose proceeds are channeled towards wildlife conservation.

“I’m already in shape now, the remaining three months I’ll work on speed. I’ll also do long runs for endurance and mileage,” the triple Standard Chartered Marathon champion told Standard Sports.

In a press launch in Nairobi yesterday, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy CEO Mike Watson said they are targeting between 1000-1200 athletes in this year’s race whose theme is ‘Ditch the desk, run for the wild.’

(06/14/2023) Views: 552 ⚡AMP
by Ochieng Oyugi

Lewa Safari Marathon back at full pace

The number of participants in this year’s 24th edition of Lewa Safari Marathon that is powered by Huawei Technologies Kenya and Safaricom PLC have been increased to 1400.

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Chief executive officer, Mike Watson, disclosed Tuesday that participation in the event slated for June 24 at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Meru County has reverted to the traditional field of 1,400 from 1,200.

Watson noted that this is after Covid-19 cases and restrictions eased with more people also expressing interest in being part of the noble venture.

Watson announced that registration for the event, whose theme is “Ditch the Desk, run in the Wild” starts at 8.30am Wednesday and will be offered on a first-come-first served basis.

Registration will open at lewasafarimarathon.co.ke.

It being a fundraising event for wildlife conservation in and community service, registration goes for Sh20,000 per participant at 42kilometre (full marathon) and 21km (half marathon), while children’s 5km race will attract a reduced entry charge of Sh3,000 from 3,500 each.

Participants registering as a group of 10 will have a discount of Sh 2,000 each. 

“This year’s event will be bigger and better considering that it will be held in person and not last year when it was staged in person and virtually,” said Watson.

”The pandemic has eased and people are keen to get out and back to nature.”

Watson was speaking during the media and sponsorship launch at Sarova Stanley where Safaricom PLC gave out a cheque of Sh10 million with Huawei Technologies Kenya handing a cheque of US$ 100,000 (Sh13 million).

Watson said an estimated US$ 240,000 (Sh 31.2 million) was raised from last year’s venture after the 2020 and 2021 editions were held virtually due to the outbreak of Covid-19.

An estimated US$ 200,000 (Sh22.6m) was raised from each of the two events in 2020 and 2021.

It was a significant drop considering that over US$ 360,000 (Sh36m) was realised from the 2019 event.

With an improvement being marked last year, Watson projected that this year’s initiative is likely to hit the US$500,000 (Sh65m) mark.

While all proceeds go directly to conservation efforts at Lewa Conservancy and Community empowerment projects, Watson said the marathon that has Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge as its ambassador, is regarded as a world class sporting event.

Safaricom PLC chief human resource officer, Paul Kasimu, said since inception in 2000, over US$ 9m has been raised for wildlife conservation and community projects around Lewa Conservancy.

"This no mean feat gives us confidence...it's not about money, but what the noble course stands for," said Kasimu, who echoed the late Nobel Prize winner Wangari Maathai's sentiments that nature is very unforgiving.

Huawei Technologies Kenya deputy chief executive officer, Sheng Kaifu said that environmental sustainability is a key pillar of Huawei’s sustainability strategy.

(03/15/2023) Views: 653 ⚡AMP
by Ayumba Ayodi

2022 Lewa Safari Marathon to be held June 25

After running virtually in the last two years, the 2022 Lewa Safari Marathon will be held physically at the expansive Lewa Wildlife Conservancy June 25.

The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Tusk, Safaricom PLC and Huawei Technologies (Kenya) Co Ltd. announced on Tuesday during the launch.

For 23 years, the marathon held on Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a UNESCO world heritage site and co-organised by wildlife conservation charity Tusk, has allowed participants from all over the globe to compete in an internationally acclaimed annual event whilst running through one of Africa’s most breath-taking wildlife conservancies.

Regarded as one of the toughest marathons in the world, runners of all abilities have taken part – from elite professionals like Marathon World Record Holder Eliud Kipchoge to amateur runners and walkers.

The marathon has also been a vehicle for the advancement of education, healthcare and conservation efforts in Kenya, raising above Ksh982.3 million (USD 8,600,000) for these causes since the year 2000.

Speaking at the marathon launch, Mike Watson, CEO of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy said: “While still providing an exciting and exhilarating marathon experience, the Lewa Safari Marathon 2022 aims to be the most environmentally friendly event Lewa has hosted to date.”

“This drive is inspired by the urgent need to reduce our carbon footprint, which aligns with our ethos and standards as we strive to be a model for biodiversity and ecosystem preservation.”

Charlie Mayhew, CEO of Tusk shared, “It’s a joy to be able to bring this one-of-a-kind event back to Kenya. The Lewa Safari Marathon has a 20-year legacy of drawing runners from around the world to raise significant funds for a wide range of conservation, education and community initiatives across Kenya.’

“We are immensely grateful to Safaricom and Huawei once again for their generous sponsorship of the marathon, as well as to Kenya Breweries Limited and Tetra Pak Ltd for their support.”

As lead co-sponsors, Safaricom and Huawei have continued to partner to support the marathon in its evolution. This year, other event sponsors will include Kenya Breweries Limited as well as Tetra Pak Ltd.

(06/10/2022) Views: 1,028 ⚡AMP

2022 Lewa Marathon goes in-person after two-year hiatus

Athletes and fans from Kenya and beyond can look forward to a fun-filled June after the planned return of the Lewa Marathon. 

The 23-year-old race, which has been held virtually for the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, will be staged on June 25 at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. 

Chief executive officer of the conservancy, Mike Watson, expects the event to be action-packed and to intensify its efforts towards the fight against climate change. 

"While still providing an exciting and exhilarating marathon experience, the Lewa Safari Marathon 2022 aims to be the most environmentally friendly event Lewa has hosted to date,” Watson said. 

He described the marathon as an example of the role sports can play in enhancing environmental change. 

"This drive is inspired by the urgent need to reduce our carbon footprint, which aligns with our ethos and standards as we strive to be a model for biodiversity and ecosystem preservation," he said. 

Watson was speaking during the launch of the annual marathon, which will be sponsored by various institutions, including Safaricom, Huawei, Kenya Breweries Limited, and Tetra Pak. 

Speaking at the same event, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa echoed Watson's comments, saying sports has the ability to transform people's lives for the better. 

"The Lewa Safari Marathon brings together three things that we really care about as a company; Sports, Community, and Conservation. We remain committed to supporting the marathon because we have seen how it continues to transform lives and that speaks to the essence of our purpose,” Ndegwa said. 

Huawei's deputy CEO for public affairs, Fiona Pan, said: "Environmental sustainability is a key pillar of Huawei’s sustainability strategy and that is why this marathon is and continues to be a key activity that we support together with our partner Safaricom.”

(03/16/2022) Views: 710 ⚡AMP
by Omondi Onyatta

Virtual Lewa Safari Marathon Is Back

Dubbed one of the top 10 marathons on the planet by Runner’s World, and supported by the likes of HRH The Duke of Cambridge, Deborah Meaden and Eliud Kipchoge, the Lewa Safari Marathon is one of Kenya’s major sporting events. 

The annual race usually takes place in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, which means participants get the opportunity to run through one of Africa’s most spectacular protected areas, sharing the trails with several with some of Kenya’s most iconic and critically endangered wildlife: Grevy’s Zebra, Lions, Elephants and Giraffes. This year, however, it’s going virtual…

Held in partnership with Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Wildlife Conservation charity, Tusk, the unique marathon has raised millions of dollars to fund wildlife conservation and community development in Kenya over the last 21 years.

From recovering Kenya’s black rhino population from the brink of extinction, protecting the world’s critically endangered Grevy’s zebra, and providing healthcare, water and improved infrastructure for communities, to supporting Lewa education programmes, the funds this marathon raises are invaluable to thousands across the country. 

However, these projects now face perhaps their greatest challenge to date: mounting a recovery plan in the face of a social and economic crises, which could last for many years to come.

So, in an attempt to help rebuild Kenya’s most vulnerable communities and wildlife, this year’s Lewa Safari Marathon is going virtual on the 26th of June. Lewa and their co-organisers are encouraging runners everywhere to lace up their shoes and join the challenge. Whether it’s 5km, 10km, 21km or even 42km, each stride is a step in the right direction. Entry is free, but all runners are encouraged to donate whatever they can.

“The Lewa Safari Marathon is no longer just an event in people’s dairy, it’s an event in their hearts. It has become part of our culture,” says John Kinoti, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy’s Community Development Manager. “Even though this year we are separated physically, we are still connected emotionally. The Virtual Lewa Safari Marathon is about continuing to transmit this culture of togetherness and inclusion, and help to transform lives.” 

Last year, HRH Duke of Cambridge – Tusk’s Royal Patron – took on the virtual challenge. He said: “This is not a race. There is no stopwatch. This is our way of showing Africa’s conservation community that we’re all in this together.”

Marathon world record holder, Eliud Kipchoge EGH, is also a great advocate of the Lewa Safari Marathon and will once again be running this year: “To me, a running world is a happy world,” says Eliud. “Last year, you joined me in a global running movement to support the guardians of wildlife and our natural heritage. This year, we have another opportunity to rally around my Kenyan brothers and sisters as they continue to feel the negative effects of the pandemic. Please join me on the 26th of June, wherever you are in the world, to run The Virtual Lewa Safari Marathon.“

(04/20/2021) Views: 1,182 ⚡AMP
by Andy Devaney

The virtually 2020 Lewa Safari marathon powered by Huawei raises over $200,000 for wildlife conservation

The virtually Lewa Safari marathon powered by Chinese technology firm Huawei has raised over 20 million Kenyan shillings (about 200,000 U.S. dollars) for wildlife conservation. This year, Huawei has marked 12th anniversary on supporting the Lewa Marathon to boost the protection of iconic species at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy located in northern Kenya, executives said on Sunday.

Shen Lei, Huawei Key Accounts Director, said more than one decade of financial support towards the annual Lewa Marathon, has enhanced conservation of wildlife amid natural and human-induced threats.

“Over the years we have donated significant amounts of funding and in doing so we know that every shilling is making a difference inside and outside Lewa’s boundaries,” Shen said in a statement issued in Nairobi.

The 2020 edition of Lewa Marathon was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic on June 27, registering about 1000 participants from 70 cities that were represented by 20 countries and regions.

“Both Lewa and Huawei continue to forge tirelessly ahead with enhancing conservation and telecommunication efforts respectively despite the pandemic so that Kenya can be prepared for tomorrow,” he added.

Mike Watson, chief executive officer of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, said since 2008, when Huawei Kenya first got involved they have been able to inject an additional 100 million Kenyan shilling into the 800 million Kenyan shilling marathon kitty. “What this has done has allowed us to invest heavily in more than 80 projects across Kenya.”

He said that investing in wildlife conservation will unleash multiple benefits including job creation. Huawei’s financial support to the annual marathon has transformed the conservation of iconic species and rural livelihoods.

(07/06/2020) Views: 1,434 ⚡AMP

Having been cancelled due to the pandemic, this year’s Lewa Safari Marathon will be staged virtually, with Eliud Kipchoge leading the way

On Saturday, Kipchoge ran in a practice session at the Conservancy alongside Lewa Rangers to help drum up support for the virtual race.

The fastest marathoner in the world teamed up with World Half Marathon giant Geoffrey Kamworor alongside two other athletes, Philemon Rono and Jonathan Rotich.

Kipchoge’s presence at the Conservancy located in Kenya’s North was a boost for the wildlife rangers and Tusk’s Director of Programmes in Africa, Sarah Watson who joined them on the run.

“I urge everybody to participate and just run where they are. We are all part of the human family and we must keep strong, stay fit, observe directives from our government, and know this situation is not permanent.”

“I have never taken part in the Lewa (Safari) Marathon before, but it was very inspiring to run with the rangers today in this beautiful conservancy and motivate them. I would ask the rangers to continue doing a good job, because they are conserving our wildlife and environment.”

Kipchoge struck through the picturesque Lewa terrain, with a mouth-watering background of grazing elephants and buffalos as the Rangers struck in tow, looking to keep up with the pace of a world beater.

It was a win-win day for Kipchoge who also got to experience a different set-up from his Eldoret base where he has been training in isolation since all athletics camps were closed as the world battles to control the spread of the coronavirus.

“My team and I are honored and very excited to have run with Eliud and his team today. Eliud is our brother, friend and supporter who recognizes the challenges that we face as wildlife rangers. This run has boosted our morale and encouraged us to keep going in this difficult time,” said Edward Ndiritu, Lewa’s Head of Anti-Poaching.

Athletes who will have registered will run from wherever they are as they continue supporting the marathon which had hoped to raise close to Sh500mn this year to aid in Lewa’s conservancy projects.

This year’s race was set to be supported by Safaricom and Huawei, with Safaricom having stepped down their annual financial support and instead joined up with the Chinese electronics company to raise the annual budget.

 

(05/25/2020) Views: 1,467 ⚡AMP
by Timothy Olobulu

Lewa Safari Marathon planned for June 27 has been cancelled for the first time in 20 years

The Chief Executive Officer of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Mike Watson, on Thursday disclosed that the race organisers have been forced to cancel this year’s competition to help curb the spread of coronavirus pandemic.

The title sponsors of this year’s competition were Huawei Kenya and Safaricom PLC.

“Despite our great willingness to push on, having weighed all factors, we have come to the very difficult decision to cancel this year’s race,” Watson said in a statement, noting that on March 25, the Kenyan government announced 28 cases of Covid-19 in the country and banned all international flights effective from March 25. Also banned are public gatherings and sporting events.

“A significant number of the marathoners, whose contributions are key to the success of the event, are overseas runners from the UK and the USA. In light of the new travel restrictions and severity of the situation, they will be unable to participate,” said Watson, adding that the government has also issued a public declaration advising Kenyans to avoid all non-essential public gatherings.

“While we are sure all efforts are being made by the Kenyan government to contain the spread of the virus, it is paramount that we heed the presidential directive to avoid all non-essential public gatherings and play our part in flattening the curve until all of this is behind us,” Watson added.

(03/26/2020) Views: 1,279 ⚡AMP
by Ayumba Ayodi

Huawei Kenya and Safaricom pump millions into Lewa Safari Marathon

Huawei Kenya have now joined Safaricom PLC as the major sponsors for this year's Safaricom Lewa Marathon that will now be known as Lewa Safari Marathon.

The 21st edition of the Lewa Safari Marathon, which will be held on June 27 this year, seeks to raise Sh50 million just like the previous year for community projects and wildlife conservation at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy chief executive officer, Mike Watson disclosed on Wednesday that Huawei Kenya and Safaricom have each coughed Sh15 million sponsorship for the event that has been limited to an entry of 1400 participants.

The funds have also helped support community conservation in Northern Kenya, protection of endangered species and other wildlife and their habitat and investing in ranger welfare.

Safaricom chairman Michael Joseph welcomed Huawei Kenya into the project.

However, Joseph noted with concern that the main wildlife conservation efforts in Kenya have been championed and financed privately by people mostly from abroad.

“There is is little support from the corporates locally and locals,” said Joseph. “I want to challenge the whole country and the corporates to join in conservation since this is our national heritage. We need to safe guard this for the generations to come.”

Huawei Kenya key account director, Stanley Shenlei noted that they have supported Lewa Safari Marathon for the last 20 years to a tune of Sh100 million. "We have seen the positive impact the Lewa Conservancy has had on wildlife and surrounding communities. It is truly incredible," said Shenlei.

(03/04/2020) Views: 1,401 ⚡AMP
by Ayumba Ayodi

Huawei Technologies has renewed its commitment to the Safaricom Marathon by giving $100,000US in support of this year’s event

For the past 10 years, Huawei has contributed over 1,000,000 USD to Lewa Conservancy, becoming one of the top corporate donors of the marathon and contributing significantly to efforts to conserve wildlife, reduce human/wildlife conflict and provide clean water and education to communities in and around Lewa Conservancy.

The marathon which is in its 20th year saw about 1,400 runners from 30 different countries around the world participate.

Huawei had over 50 runners participate. As is the tradition, the Marathon had three categories of runners; 5 km children’s fun race of between 10 to 14 years and 15 to 17 year olds, the 21 KM half marathon which will include team races and the 42 KM full marathon.

“We take corporate responsibility very seriously, not only in our operations and our world-leading ICT products, but also in supporting community development and environment conservation. Throughout our 21 years in Kenya we have contributed to conserving the wonderful flora and fauna in Kenya, and supporting the communities surrounding those areas.

We strongly believe and support the mission of the Lewa Conservancy and Tusk Trust whose impact has been across the world as a successful model for fundraising and conservation awareness. We are happy to see the transformation that the funds raised from marathon has brought to the community,” Stone He, CEO Huawei said.

Funds raised from Huawei and other donors have helped to run and operate Lewa Conservancy, support education projects around Lewa, provide water to over 20,000 people in communities around Lewa, support NgareNdare Forest Trust, support Northern Rangelands Trust and support projects across Kenya including Mount Kenya Trust, Lamu Turtle Conservation project, Borana Conservancy, Big Life Foundation, Bongo Surveillance project, Local Ocean Trust, Tsavo Trust, The Maa Trust For Rangers, Grevy’s Zebra Trust and the Mara Elephant Project.

Huawei has been active in Kenya for 20 years building voice, broadband and mobile money telecommunications infrastructure across the country, providing the most innovative and highest quality smartphones, and enabling leading ICT solutions for safety, transportation, energy, finance and health.

(07/03/2019) Views: 1,717 ⚡AMP

Kenyan Maiyo Kipkurui and Emma kiruki won the 2019 Safaricom Lewa Marathon

Kipkurui, the two time Brighton Marathon champion clocked 2:20.04, three minutes ahead of Samson Lemaiyan (2:22.52) who took the second position while Edward Nderitu finished third in 2:24.31.

“I have been in training for the past two months preparing for this particular race, it felt like I was running in London, the support was massive.” Kipkurui told Citizen Digital.

“I did not even now that I was leading because I was with the 21km runners but they dropped one after the other until I was left alone,” he added.

In the women’s category, the 2008, champion Emma Muthuni Kiruki returned to her winning ways 11 years Later, clocking 2:50.31, 13 minutes ahead of Daisy Kipsugut (3:03.03) and Mary Wairimu 3:18.50.

The 36-year-old finished third in 21km in 2017 after a nine-year sabbatical from the competition.

“The heat was too much and the track very difficult, following the half marathon runners helped me a lot in increasing my pace.

“I had prepared very well but the race got difficult towards the end now am going back to the drawing board to prepare for the next race,” Kiruki said.

In the 21km race Morris Munene easily defended his title in a time of 1:06.06 ahead of John Elimlim (1:06.29) and Mike Boit (1:06.53)

“The competition was stiff but I had prepared well, I wanted to use the race to prepare for the year’s Berlin marathon.” Munene told citizen digital

In the women’s category, fresh from pacing assignment in China Miriam Nakitare won the 21km women’s race in a time of 1:15.11.

“I had prepared well for the race although when I started it was a little difficult but after 10km I saw the weakness in other competitors who could not take the hills easily and that is where I won the race.” Said Nakitare

Paulin Wangui (1:16.14) was second while Coroline nyaguthii (1:17.30) was third.

With the first lady Margaret Kenyatta being the chief Guest she joined over 1400 participants who took part in the event celebrating 20 years since inception on 2000. She took part in the 5km race.

(06/29/2019) Views: 1,999 ⚡AMP
by Philip Muchiri

John Ruengo is an 88-year-old Kenyan Marathoner who will run Lewa Marathon for his 20th time

An 88-year old octogenarian is among more than 1,400 who are set to take part in the 20th edition of the Safaricom Lewa marathon set for June 29, this year.

John Ruengo, who is also pursuing the title as the oldest marathoner alive will be defending his title in the half marathon category for people above 52 years.

John Ruengo, who has also set his sights on becoming the oldest marathoner alive.

Speaking to Nation Sports during a pre-race competition meant to identify amateur athletes to represent the community living around Lewa Conservancy in the marathon, Ruengo said he has stepped up training for the race and was confident of performing well.

The retired community development officer from Mutunyi Village in Meru County has participated and completed in the 21km race in all previous 19 editions of Lewa Marathon.

The veteran athlete said he religiously jogs for five kilometres every morning and evening for four days a week to keep fit. He also observes a strict diet composed mainly of green leafy vegetables and camel bone soup.

(04/03/2019) Views: 2,267 ⚡AMP

Philemon Mbaaru wins the Safaricom Lewa Marathon for the sixth time once Rhinos were cleared off the course

Lewa master Mbaaru does it again! Winning sixth Safaricom marathon, Pre-race favorite Philemon Mbaaru lived up to his expectations as he battled tough conditions to clinch the title at the Safaricom Marathon as the 19th edition graced by the First Lady Margaret Kenyatta went down at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy on Saturday. The women’s category saw Jane Ngima take the title in 2:51:36 after flooring Esther Macharia who clocked second in a time of 2:53:41.  Being one of the toughest marathons in the world since its being run in the wilderness, the race delayed for almost five minutes to allow the organisers to clear the Rhinos and elephants on the course. However, that did not affect experienced Mbaaru who cruised to his sixth Safaricom Lewa Marathon men’s title, recording 2:22:21, dropping three seconds from the time he won with last year. The 36-year old beat his close contender Peter Wahome who was second in 2:22:33 while Silas Gichovi settled for third in 2:23:23. Running under scorching sun in the event where wild animals are privileged to be among the spectators, Mbaaru had dismissed claims that he won the race because he clearly knows the course well but attributed stiff competition imposed by Wahome. “The competition was very tough because you never know what to expect from every athlete. The first loop was not bad because I was leading with a big gap but in the second loop the second placed kept me in check, running behind my shoulder but I put more effort to beat him,” Mbaaru, who trains in Nyeri, Nanyuki Highway said. (06/30/2018) Views: 1,758 ⚡AMP