As the world-renowned Lewa Safari Marathon marks its 25th anniversary, it continues to drive conservation and community development across Kenya and beyond. Since its inception, Safaricom has been the event’s main sponsor, while Huawei has provided steadfast support for over a decade. Together, their contributions have created lasting impact, strengthened wildlife conservation, uplifted local communities, and connected people to nature.
Organized by Tusk and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, with lead sponsors Safaricom and Huawei, the marathon has raised over KSh 1.3 billion (US $9 million) since 2000. This annual event has become a beacon for wildlife conservation, community development, healthcare, and education in Kenya.
This year, the unwavering support of Safaricom and Huawei has inspired new partnerships, further amplifying the event’s impact. Companies like Access Bank, ICEA Lion, Highlands, AMREF, Elewana, Safarilink, Garda World, Tropical Heat, and African Originals have joined the cause. Together, these sponsors provide the financial backbone needed to sustain and expand vital conservation and community initiatives.
Dr. Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom, highlighted their commitment: “For 25 years, we have supported the Lewa Marathon, a cause that aligns with our purpose of transforming lives. As both the marathon and Safaricom mark 25 years in 2025, we are proud to commit KES 10 million to this year’s edition. Additionally, we will host the Safaricom Karura Mini Run in May to further support the Lewa Marathon.”
Gao Fei, CEO of Huawei Kenya, added: “Huawei is delighted to have supported the Lewa Safari Marathon for 17 years. Through our partnership with Safaricom, we have made a difference in preserving iconic species and uplifting surrounding communities.”
The funds raised have been instrumental in protecting critically endangered species like the mountain bongo, Grevy’s zebra, black rhino, and East Africa’s last remaining ‘super-tusker’ elephants.
Nick Bubb, CEO of Tusk, emphasized the event’s significance: “The Lewa Safari Marathon is more than a race—it’s a movement that has united runners worldwide for 25 years. Together, we have raised vital funds to protect threatened species and uplift local livelihoods.”
Equally important is the marathon’s support for local communities. Funding has financed six hospitals and clinics, providing healthcare to 40,000 people annually. It has also supported education for over 10,000 students and empowered 724 women artisans through beadwork and beekeeping initiatives, fostering economic independence.
Mike Watson, CEO of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, reflected on the event’s impact: “The marathon embodies the connection between conservation and community. At Lewa, we envision a future where all Kenyans value, protect, and benefit from wildlife. This event has been pivotal in making that vision a reality.”
As the Lewa Safari Marathon celebrates its 25th anniversary on June 28, 2025, it will once again unite runners, conservationists, local communities, and businesses in a shared mission to protect wildlife and uplift communities. This milestone race aims to raise a record-breaking amount for conservation and community projects.
Since 2000, over 25,000 runners from 40 countries have participated, earning 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. Participants run along the savannah trails of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, home to Kenya’s iconic ‘Big Five’—buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard, and rhinoceros.
The success of the Lewa Safari Marathon is a testament to the power of corporate leadership in driving meaningful change and connecting people to a greater cause. As it celebrates 25 years, the event continues to inspire hope for a brighter, more sustainable future for both people and wildlife.
