The 25th Edition of the Lewa Safari Marathon has been launched.
This year’s edition was launched on Wednesday in Nairobi at the Michael Joseph Center.
The 25th Edition of the marathon will be held on the 28th of June with participants expected from dozens of countries.
The marathon sponsored by Safaricom PLC and Huawei Kenya supports wildlife conservation projects in the country.
Speaking during the launch of the 25th Lewa Safari Marathon, Safaricom CEO Dr. Peter Ndegwa said the company will host the Safaricom Karura Mini Run in May, a fundraising initiative introduced last year with Safaricom partners to further support the Lewa Marathon.
“For 25 years, we have supported the Lewa Marathon, a cause that goes beyond conserving Lewa Conservancy to uplifting the surrounding communities, aligning perfectly with our purpose of transforming lives. As both the marathon and Safaricom mark 25 years in 2025, we are proud to commit sh.10 million to this year’s edition,” said Safaricom CEO Dr. Ndegwa.
Organized by international conservation organization Tusk and Kenya’s Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, with lead sponsors Safaricom and Huawei, the annual event has raised over sh.1.3 billion – US $9 million – since the first race in 2000.
This year has seen new partnerships that will strengthen the event’s impact. The new partners including; Access Bank, ICEA Lion, Highlands, AMREF, Elewana, Safarilink, Garda World, Tropical Heat, and African Originals will provide the financial backbone necessary to sustain and expand vital conservation and community initiatives.
“Huawei is delighted to have supported the Lewa Safari Marathon for the past 17 years. The conservancy is home to some of the rarest wildlife and we know through our support and that of Safaricom, a difference has been made in preserving these iconic species for future generations as well as the surrounding communities,” Huawei Kenya CEO Gao Fei said.
The funds have been instrumental in protecting the critically endangered mountain bongo, a rare species found exclusively in the mountains of central Kenya. They have also supported conservation efforts for Kenya’s Grevy’s zebra and black rhino—both critically endangered—as well as some of East Africa’s last remaining ‘super-tusker’ elephants.
“The Lewa Safari Marathon is more than just a race – it’s a marathon with purpose; a movement that has, for 25 years, united runners from around the world in support of Kenya’s extraordinary wildlife and communities. Through the event, we have raised vital funds that drive conservation efforts, protect threatened species, and uplift local livelihoods,” said Nick Bubb, Chief Executive of Tusk.
Race funding has financed six hospitals and clinics, providing essential healthcare to approximately 40,000 people in rural Kenyan communities each year. It has also supported education through bursaries and infrastructure for over 10,000 students and empowered 724 women artisans through beadwork and beekeeping initiatives, fostering economic independence and sustainable livelihoods.
“The Lewa Safari Marathon embodies the deep connection between conservation and community. At Lewa, we envision a future where all Kenyans value, protect, and benefit from wildlife, and this event continues to be a powerful force in making that vision a reality,” said Lewa Wildlife Conservancy CEO Mike Watson.
Since 2000, more than 25,000 runners from over 40 countries have participated, earning it recognition from Runner’s World as one of the world’s top ten amateur races. The event offers a 42km full marathon, a 21km half-marathon, a 10km executive race, and a 5km distance for younger runners.
