Runners to Champion Conservation and Community Development as 2026 Lewa Safari Marathon Opens for Entries
From Left Jason Feng Shen, Huawei Kenya – Safaricom Key Account Director, Huawei Kenya, Chantal Migongo-Bake, Tusk’s Chief Conservation Officer, James Maitai – Group Chief Technology and Information Officer (CTIO) at Safaricom PLC, John Kinoti, Lewa’s Chief Programmes and partnerships Officer and Zizwe Awuor, Director of Brand and Marketing at Safaricom PLC.
Nairobi, Kenya, March 24, 2026 Hundreds of runners from around the world are set to gather at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy for the 2026 Lewa Safari Marathon. The organizers have announced this year’s event aims to improve wildlife conservation and support rural communities.
Organized by Tusk and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, this well-known marathon is expected to raise over KSh15 million for health services, education programs, and the protection of endangered species. International registration is open, while entries for Kenyan and East African participants will start on March 27. The race is scheduled for June 27.
Since it began in 2000, the marathon has raised more than KSh1.3 billion, leading to significant conservation benefits. These include the recovery of endangered species like Hawksbill turtles and Grevy’s zebra, increased populations of black rhinos, and better protection for the rare mountain bongo found in the Mt Kenya and Aberdare ecosystems.
In addition to wildlife conservation, the initiative has supported over 40,000 clinic visits, funded many school programs, and helped improve livelihoods through support for pastoralists and women-led businesses.
During the launch, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy CEO Mike Watson stated that the marathon continues to create visible conservation impact while building strong communities. He emphasized that the combined efforts of runners and partners are helping secure habitats and sustain livelihoods for future generations.
Chantal Migongo-Bake from Tusk called the event a global movement uniting runners to support Kenya’s wildlife and communities. She noted that the proceeds continue to inspire new ideas in conservation and protect vital ecosystems.
Set against a backdrop of vast savannah plains, riverbanks, and acacia woodlands, the marathon includes a full marathon, half marathon, 10 km race, and a children’s race. Over the years, it has attracted more than 25,000 participants from over 40 countries, featuring legendary Kenyan athletes like Eliud Kipchoge, Paul Tergat, and Catherine Ndereba. The event has also been recognized among the world’s top amateur races by Runner’s World.
Long-time sponsors Safaricom and Huawei have reaffirmed their support, along with other partners like National Bank of Kenya, ICEA Lion, Tropical Heat, Safarilink, AMREF, Elewana, and Land and Life.
Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa announced the company will contribute KSh10 million towards this year’s event, emphasizing its commitment to conservation through technology and connectivity. Jason Feng Shen, Safaricom Key Account Director at Huawei Kenya, highlighted the firm’s ongoing support under its #Tech4All initiative, noting the marathon’s role in preserving biodiversity while improving livelihoods.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is home to over 70 mammal species and more than 500 bird species, making it one of Kenya’s most important biodiversity areas. The marathon continues to fund conservation organizations across the country, reinforcing its role as a key driver of sustainable conservation and community development.
