More than 1,400 runners from 34 countries gathered at Kenya’s Lewa Wildlife Conservancy this year for the 25th Lewa Safari Marathon, an event that has grown over a quarter century into one of the world’s most distinctive intersections of sport and conservation.

Hosted on a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the marathon has earned global recognition not just for its demanding course across the grassy plains of northern Kenya but for its role as a funding engine for wildlife protection and community development.

Racing With a Purpose

“This is far more than a marathon,” said Nick Bubb, Chief Executive of Tusk. “It is a celebration of everything that can be achieved when people and purpose come together. For 25 years, the Lewa Safari Marathon has united runners, conservationists, philanthropists, communities and corporate leaders in a shared mission to protect Kenya’s unique biodiversity and support those living alongside it. Every step taken in this race is a step towards lasting positive change.”

This year’s participants, ranging from elite athletes to first-time distance runners, shared the course with elephants, giraffes and black rhinos. The race winners reflected Kenya’s long tradition of distance running: Samson Lemayan took the men’s race in 2:28:35, while Mercy Kwambai won the women’s event in 2:47:17. In the half marathon, Michael Kamau and Mary Waithera claimed top places with times of 1:06:37 and 1:18:27 respectively.

Conservation Through Sport

Since its inception in 2000, the marathon has raised close to 9 million US dollars for over ten conservation and community projects in Kenya. These funds have been directed to the protection of critically endangered species, such as the mountain bongo, Grevy’s zebra and black rhino, along with East Africa’s super-tusker elephants.

The impact extends beyond wildlife. Funding has supported six hospitals and clinics that serve around 40,000 people annually in rural communities, provided education infrastructure and bursaries for over 10,000 students, and created livelihood opportunities for 724 women through beadwork and beekeeping initiatives.

Mike Watson, CEO of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, said “Over the past 25 years, the Lewa Safari Marathon has been instrumental in driving positive change. None of this would have been possible without the dedication of elite athletes, amateur runners, volunteers, sponsors and spectators, all united in their passion for wildlife conservation and running in the wild.”

Corporate Partnerships Drive Long-Term Impact

The marathon has long been powered by a collaboration between conservation groups and corporate sponsors. Safaricom and Huawei have both supported the event for years, linking their brands with environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom Ltd, said “The Lewa Safari Marathon is unlike any other race. Running through one of the world’s most iconic conservancies, alongside the very wildlife that the race was created to champion. Conservation and community development are at the heart of this event, and it is for that reason that we, as Safaricom, are proud to be partners in this cause.”

Gavin Gao, CEO of Huawei Technologies Kenya, added “For a quarter of a century, the Lewa Safari Marathon has brought together participants from around the globe, united by a passion for wildlife conservation and the wellbeing of local communities. The proceeds from this marathon have played a crucial role in safeguarding endangered species, preserving natural habitats, and uplifting the lives of those who call this region home. Huawei is proud to have been a steadfast supporter of the Lewa Safari Marathon over the years.”

A Model for Global Events

Sport-based fundraising events have become an increasingly visible part of the global sustainability agenda, but few have combined biodiversity protection with community impact as consistently as Lewa. The race’s emphasis on inclusivity and cross-sector partnership has made it a template for similar initiatives worldwide.

Kenya’s protected areas face mounting pressures, from climate-driven habitat loss to human-wildlife conflict. By drawing international attention each year, the Lewa Safari Marathon helps sustain financial and political momentum for conservation.

As this year’s race drew to a close on the dusty trails of the conservancy, the event reaffirmed the idea that sport can be a powerful agent for environmental stewardship. With 25 years behind it, the marathon continues to show how collective effort can protect some of the planet’s most iconic landscapes and species while improving the wellbeing of the communities who share their home.