Lewa marathon countdown begins

By FP Reporter

Mobile phone service provider, Safaricom, has announced a Shs8million sponsorship for this year’s marathon, which will be marking its 10th anniversary.

This year’s event will take place on Saturday June 27 at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Samburu District.

The registration of athletes and corporate teams for the marathon will kick off tomorrow and the deadline for registration will be on May 15, 2009.

Kenyan residents and overseas runners entry forms, giving details on costs and accommodation options, will be available to download from www.tusk.org www.tusk.org , www.safaricom.co.ke and www.lewa.org.

GREATS: Safaricom Chief Executive Michael Joseph (right) and five-time World Record Marathon holder Paul Tergat (left) during a dinner to launch Safaricom Marathon on Wednesday night. The marathon will be run in Lewa, Samburu District, on June 27. [PHOTO: COURTESY]

Speaking during the launch of the Marathon, the firm’s Chief Executive Michael Joseph urged companies to support sports development.

"I would like to appeal to runners, sponsors and corporate companies to register for the marathon which has helped in reducing human-wildlife conflicts and raising funds community development," he said.

Among the elite runners will be five-time world cross-country and marathon champion Paul Tergat and World and Olympic silver medalist Catherine Ndereba who will lead a pack of local and international athletes in the marathon, famously known for its rough terrain.

Since inception ten years ago, the Safaricom Marathon has raised over Sh130m aimed at supporting needy projects across Kenya. Last year approximately just under Sh30m was raised.

Held in the breathtaking scenery in the Lewa Conservancy on the foothills of Mount Kenya, the Safaricom Marathon continues to gain reputation as one of the toughest marathon events in the world.

Over 750 runners participated in last year’s marathon, the highest number of participants ever registered in the marathon.

About 600 runners participated in the half-marathon while 150 were in the full marathon. In addition, the Children’s 5km Fun Run attracted a record entry of 150 children.

Run on a rough terrain and under harsh climatic conditions, it is an enticing experience that has continued to inspire distance runners and spectators alike.

"So far communities leaving around Lewa have benefited from funds raised through past marathons, such as the Isiolo district hospital, Nanyuki Cottage hospital, and local schools." Joseph said.

Local women groups have also benefited from the fund in putting up boreholes and water tanks.