Safaricom Marathon & Half-Marathon Event Info

Event Information

(Scroll down to view a video of the event)

RACE DATE - June 26, 2010; 7 a.m.

ORGANIZER - The race is under IAAF rules and is sponsored by the Kenya AAA and Safaricom (Vodaphone) as well as other Kenyan firms.

CHARITABLE OBJECTIVE - The object of the event is to raise funds for conservation work and other local projects in the Lewa area under the guidance of the London-based Tusk Trust - go to their web site Tusk.org.

COURSE - The course is the only marathon run entirely within a game park, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. The two-lap course of 21K each is on dirt roads with one big hill and four smaller ones. Mt. Kenya lies 20 miles to the South and there are breath-taking views north towards Samburu. The 62,000-acre sanctuary is home to some 86 rhino, herds of elephant and the world's largest single population of Grevy's zebra. Lions and cheetahs are seen frequently during game drives but not during the race. Leopards make their home at Lewa but are rarely seen. The course is patrolled by a spotter plane and helicopter as well as a large and experienced team of armed rangers. There are manned feeding stations every 5K and water stations every 2 1/2K.

TEMPERATURE - During the dry season, temperatures fall into the high 40s and low 50s at night. Thus, at the 7 a.m. race start, it is a bit cool. The sun raises just before the start and temperatures rise into the low 80s by 11 a.m.

ENTRY FEE - The entry fee is $250 USD. Runners optionally may raise pledges or charitable contributions of a minimum of $500 USD which is donated to Tusk Trust in lieu of the entry fee.

ELIGIBILITY - The tented camps are limited to the first 60 guests who book the packages.

TIME LIMIT - Marathon - 6 1/2 hours; Half-Marathon 5 hours.

NUMBER PICKUP - Numbers will be provided at the pasta party on the evening prior to the event.

AWARDS - Top six overall for males and females in both races. Top two in each age category: 40-49, 50-59, and 60 and over. All finishers will receive a goody bag, medal and T-shirt.