Is it safe to run with wildlife on the course?

Yes. Armed rangers are positioned at regular intervals along the entire route. Runners must stay on the marked course at all times. The event has an excellent safety record built over many years of operation.

What altitude is the race at?

The course runs between approximately 1,700m and 1,800m above sea level. If you are travelling from sea level, aim to arrive at least 2 to 3 days early to acclimatise, or expect your pace to be slower than usual.

There are lodges inside Lewa Conservancy for participants, as well as options in Nanyuki town about 30 minutes away. Lewa accommodation books out well in advance, so register and book accommodation at the same time.

How hilly is the Lewa Safari Marathon course?

The course runs between 1,633m and 1,735m above sea level. There are two notable climbs, both beginning around the 8.7km and 28.9km marks, each involving roughly 1km of moderate climbing. The course is run twice as two loops, so you will encounter the same hills twice.

MarathonAnnual Event

Lewa Safari Marathon

Saturday, 26 June 2027 · 7:00 AM, [2026 Schedule]

📅The 2026 edition concluded successfully on 27th June 2026. This page now shows the 2027 edition. Dates TBC

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

7:00 AM, [2026 Schedule]

5km, 10km, 21km, 42km

Start 1,693m · Max 1,735m · Min 1,633m · Finish 1,716m

KES 3,000 (kids)→KES 20,000 (adults Half and Full Marathon)→and KES 50,000 (Executive)→Based on 2026 rates; 2027 fees TBA

Tusk and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

marathon@lewa.org→+254 717 117 223

www.lewasafarimarathon.co.ke

@lewasafarimarathon Facebook @LewaSafMarathon

Registration opens closer to race day

incase of any issues as international athletes, Email lauren@tusk.org

Coming up

47 weeks to go

Saturday morning

Base-building phase.

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Consistent easy effort is the goal. Build aerobic fitness and establish the habit. Race-specific work comes later.

Event Highlights

Run through open savanna alongside rhinos, elephants, and giraffe

One of the world's most unique race settings at 1,700m above sea level

Funds conservation of Lewa's black rhino population

Mount Kenya visible from much of the course on a clear day

Finishers receive a hand-crafted Maasai beaded medal

Race Distances

5km

10km

21km

42km

Race Fees

Category	Fee	Status
Junior Race Entry (5km) Entry for children aged 10-17 years.	KES 3,000	Sold Out
Adult Full & Half Marathon Entry Entry for 42km or 21km race (18+ years).	KES 20,000	Sold Out
Executive Race Entry (10km) Corporate/Executive premium entry category.	KES 50,000	Sold Out

What's Included

Finisher medal

Official race t-shirt

Electronic timing chip

Water and energy stations on course

Post-race refreshments

Access to Lewa Conservancy on race day

Course Details

The 42km course runs two loops through Lewa Wildlife Conservancy on a mix of gravel roads and open plains. The course starts at 1,693m and reaches its lowest point of 1,633m at around 8.7km and 28.9km. The highest point is 1,735m at the hill top around 16.1km and 37.2km. The finish is at 1,716m. Expect two steep climbs beginning around 8.7km and 28.9km, each involving approximately 1km of moderate climbing. Roads are closed for the event and armed wildlife rangers are posted along the entire route.

Getting There

Lewa Conservancy is approximately 240km north of Nairobi. Most participants fly into Nanyuki Airport (about 30 minutes away) or drive via the A2 highway through Naro Moru, which takes 4 to 5 hours. Race day shuttles operate from Nanyuki town. Several lodges inside Lewa offer participant accommodation but book out months in advance.

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