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.

MarathonAnnual Event

Lewa Safari Marathon

Saturday, 27 June 2026 · 7:00 AM

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

7:00 AM

5km, 10km, 21km, 42km

TBA; Usually KES 3,000 (kids), KES 20,000 (adults Half and Full Marathon), and KES 50,000 (Executive)

Tusk and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

marathon@lewa.org, +254 717 117 223

www.lewasafarimarathon.co.ke

14 weeks to go

Build phase. Push your limits gradually.

💡 Increase weekly load by no more than 10% per week. Add one quality session per week, whether that is intervals, tempo, or a hard climb.

International - Email lauren@tusk.org | East African - Opens from 19th March 2026

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 Options & Fees

5km

10km

21km

42km

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

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 course runs through Lewa Wildlife Conservancy on a mix of dirt tracks, open plains, and light bush. The terrain is consistently undulating with rolling hills throughout. Armed wildlife rangers are posted along the entire route. Runners may encounter zebra, giraffe, and antelope on course and must stay on the marked route at all times.

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.

Open in Maps

Did You Know?

🌍Lewa Wildlife Conservancy protects around 10% of Kenya's entire black rhino population across 62,000 acres.

🌍The conservancy sits at an average altitude of 1,740m above sea level, high enough to affect pacing for runners arriving from lower elevations.

🌍Lewa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed as part of the Mount Kenya National Park buffer zone.

🌍Mount Kenya (5,199m), Africa's second highest peak, is visible from much of the course on a clear day.

Frequently Asked Questions

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