IT IS one of the world’s toughest marathons – taking runners up and down hills at a height of 5,500 feet above sea level, in 35 degree heat, and through the safari landscape of Kenya.

The Lewa Safari Marathon, which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary, takes place on June 29 and has a reputation as being one of the planet’s most breathtaking, and demanding, races.

Picture: Neil Thomas

Runners can routinely find themselves sharing the course, originally designed by the late European 5,000m champion, Bruce Tulloh, with zebras, impalas, giraffes and ostriches.

The route runs through the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a UNESCO world heritage site which is home to all of Africa’s ‘Big Five’ – elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard.

Picture: Henry Kimani

The race is carefully managed to operate as sustainably as possible and a large ranger force is on hand to monitor wildlife and keep runners and animals alike safe.

It’s fitting, then, that the event, organised by conservation charity Tusk, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Safaricom, raises vital funds for conservation and community projects across Kenya.

Picture: Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Proceeds particularly contribute to the protection of Lewa’s renowned rhino, and the annual race typically attracts entrants from some 40 countries across the globe.

Notable participants who have taken on the challenge include the Princess of Wales’s sister, Pippa Middleton, and Tusk celebrity ambassadors Ben Fogle, Jack Savoretti and Levison Wood.

Picture: Safaricom

Top athletes taking part have included Kenyan former marathon world record holders Eliud Kipchoge, Paul Tergat and Catherine Ndereba.

Since its inception in 2000, the event has raised more than £7 million in support of conservation, education, livelihoods and healthcare initiatives including 27 schools and six hospitals.

Picture: James Lewin

Mike Watson, chief exec at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, says: “As we face unprecedented threats to our planet, it is essential that we take action to protect our wildlife and their habitats.

“The Lewa Safari Marathon is not only an opportunity to challenge yourself and connect with nature, but it is also a way to make a positive impact on the communities and wildlife of northern Kenya and beyond.

Picture: Safaricom

“I encourage everyone to take advantage of this unique opportunity to disconnect from our screens and connect with nature on June 29 in Kenya’s most spectacular wildlife conservancy.” 

More information on the race, and the impact it has on conservation in Kenya, can be found at www.lewasafarimarathon.com. Lead image by, and courtesy of, photographer David Kabiru.