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Marathon Details - Safaricom Marathon

International Marathons > Kenya > Lewa Wildlife Conservancy > Safaricom Marathon

Safaricom Marathon

Safaricom Marathon & Half Marathon, 5K

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya

~~June 29, 2024~~ - CANCELLED

http://www.safaricommarathon.com

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Top 3 Finishers by Year

Race Details

The route is a two loop course run among the game in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a naturally preserved habitat. It is the only marathon run in a game park. At mile high altitude, you have panoramic views of grassy plains and My. Kenya in the distance.

Contact Information

Name:
Address:	c/o Kisima Ltd, Unit Kilo Wilson Business Park, Wilson Airport, Nairobi, Kenya Or c/o Kisima Ltd PO Box 20139, 00200, Nairobi
Phone Number:	+254 (0) 724 926 571
Email:	Email the organizers

More Information

These details were last updated by the race director on 12/30/23 and may be out of date.
Number of Runners:	1,000
Number of Spectators:	2,000
Fees & Deadlines:	110 UK sterling plus fund raising requirement of $1,000 USD
Start Time:	7:00 AM
Course Highlights:	Run with the Kenyans (some fast and some as slow as you) amidst their natural surroundings. You might see zebra, antelopes, giraffe and rhino along the way.
Course Refreshments:	water, electrolyte drink and sponges every 3K.
Certified? Certification:	Trail Run - no certification
Race Day Registration:	None
Online Registration:	None
Packet Pickup Info:	Entry must be pre-booked when making tarvel arrangements.
Marathon Ratings:	Course Scenery/Beauty/Interest: Good for First Timers: Crowd Support: Course Speed:

Runner Reviews (15)

Course 4.9

Organization 4.7

Spectators 3.6

Write a review

Number of comments: 15 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

erin gurney from Illinois, USA (7/14/2019) "Out of this world Marathon!" (about: 2019) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Safaricom Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 In my quest to run a marathon on every continent, I picked Safaricom for 2019. This was #4 and the hardest yet but WONDERFUL! The whole trip was organized exceptionally well with the travel agency and Tusk, the charity this race supports. I was a little unsure about the charity part since I never heard of Tusk. The day before the race, we went to see a school, water project and clinic all funded by Tusk with their staffers from the UK. It was amazing! After the marathon, we visited Uganda and their schools were not nearly as well run and funded as the Tusk programs. I say that in case of concern, but once there I was so proud to have fundraised for such a diverse and robust charity helping with so many projects in Africa. The race - I trained with hills and elevation but when there and combined with the heat - the 2nd lap was unfortunately half walk and run. To put in perspective, my best marathon was Amsterdam at 4:45. Safaricom took me 6 hours. The volunteers on the trail were amazing! They have people on motor bikes checking on you and the water stations too. I prefer solo running but some of the stations had people dressed up as clowns, music, and woman giving out roses if you want some fan fair but it does get quieter for round two. They also have water misters that were wonderful! The aid stations were always staffed until the end and perfectly placed when you needed them. I have a great picture with a zebra in the background as I ran mile 14 solo. Tip - There are a lot of local half marathoners that are walkers. If I were to run this again, start in the front behind the elite runners. I spent a lot of energy trying to pass these slow half marathoners to get the 1st part done before the heat kicked up. They request people walk on the left but no one was there at the briefing to pay attention. I was shifting left to right and the middle of the trail for those first few miles and sections there after were sand. I felt like I used extra energy that I could have saved for the 2nd 13 miles. As I had read, when you start that 2nd lap it's a totally difference race. Everyone is finally gone and to me this is where it began. The same trail is all your own - running thru Africa! And this is where you know the hills are coming, it's getting hotter, and you gotta be ready to keep pushing. It is worth it! I was able to run the last 3 miles since it was flatter and down hill too. Also, my husband spectated from the water station run by the lodge we stayed at. He even had a great time. He thought so highly of the race, and does not run, but said in a few years he would like to return and run the half. We loved our time in Lewa Downs and have memories for ever!
J. J. from New York (7/4/2018) "One-of-a-kind marathon experience" (about: 2018) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Safaricom Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 What an experience! This marathon is challenging - between the altitude, the hills, and the heat - so you're not aiming for a PR. But it's amidst beautiful scenery, it's pretty well organized, and it's for a good cause.
Shelly Henry from California (6/3/2015) "Fantastic adventure!" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Safaricom Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 It's possibly the wildest adventures you'll ever do. The course takes you through Lewa safari park with wild animals roaming around. They have helicopters hovering over the course to look for animals getting close to the runners path and if they spot one, they lower the helicopter to chase them away! I booked all my travels through www.steeboksafaris.com. George Karuku is a wonderful man. He put together an itinerary for me including the marathon and a safari costing much less than the other options.
M. S. from Livonia, MI USA (7/15/2013) "The ultimate adventure run!" (about: 2013) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Safaricom Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Great, tough, course. Average altitude just under 5,600 ft, 16 miles of hills, 90 degree heat at finish, no trees, few spectators, all trails. Mentally tough. The second loop is a repeat of first loop, but without the half runners. If you thought it was hard the first time, the second loop screams 'now do it in the heat and completely fatigued'. Add 45 minutes to an hour to your average time. Only 121 finishers in 2013, 90% of runners do the half. Glad I went the distance. I'll never forget it. Marathon Tours made everyday an adventure. Highly recommended.
P. K. from Portsmouth, Ohio (7/3/2010) "Amazing Race" (about: 2010) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Safaricom Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 If you want an amazing adventure and race of a lifetime, then this one is for you. The course was very challenging (high elevation, hilly, sunny, and hot) but the scenery was amazing. The race was extremely well organized and everyone was well taken care of. There are plenty of water stops along the way and they are well equipped with water, sponges, oranges and a local electrolyte drink. The volunteers, spectators, and everyone involved with the race were outstanding. If you are running the full, you can go for long stretches without seeing anyone. I entered through Marathon Tours and they did a fantastic job providing us with a trip of a lifetime.
MR ISAAC SANG from Nairobi Kenya (4/28/2009) "Most challenging race in the world." (about: 2008) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Safaricom Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 You will never understand the challenge of such a wild run unless you participate in it. There is reason to be nervous because of the jungle's big five (since they may be roaming around waiting for prey), but the organizers were excellent and would be able to handle any risky situations. Keep it up!
chiku waithaka from Nairobi kenya (7/2/2008) "A must-do!" (about: 2008) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Safaricom Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is one of the toughest marathons in the world - the only one where wild animals are privileged to be among the spectators. The 21K was a loop of ascents and descents, which were quite challenge to those who had not trained enough. The 42K was a repeat loop of the 21K, and I must say, "kudos" to those who completed it. The organization was done to perfection, and every runner was taken care of individually - from the rabbit-paced to the snail-paced, and from the start to the finish. Water points were a bit spaced out, but everything I needed was in place when I got there (from fruit to energy drink). Spectators really boosted my morale and kept me going with their cheering and dances, as most of us struggled to be finishers! the last kilometer was my longest and toughest, but my slogan - "stopping is a crime" - held me back from walking. I finished strong and weak, and recorded a life-time experience. This is something you must do at least once in your life!
S. M. from San Francisco, USA (1/5/2008) "Good race to do in Africa" (about: 2006) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Safaricom Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I entered the marathon through Marathon Tours. The course was a two-loop trek. The first time around there is plenty of company as the half-marathon runners start with the full. The course was pretty desolate the second time around. There were times that there were no other runners in sight ahead or behind me. I always felt very safe, though. I saw one elephant being ushered off the course by a helicopter but otherwise not a lot of animals out and about. The helicopter and spotter plane meant to keep away dangerous animals also tend to scare off the benign ones. Definitely carry your own liquids/fuel as the aid stations are spaced far apart and the climate was a challenge (high-altitude, very sunny). Bottled water and an energy drink were available on the course (I brought my own Gatorade from home). There were a few significant uphill climbs. Spectators are few and far between but are very enthusiastic. Kenya was beautiful and I highly recommend the Masai Mara extension package (definitely the highlight of the trip and I would have considered the trip almost pointless without it). A good percentage of our tour group came down with a 24-hour GI tract bug (a few people were unable to attempt the race because of it), but I suppose that is a risk with any destination marathon of this nature. Definitely recommend as a destination race.
S. R. from Alpharetta, Georgia (7/26/2006) "Amazing Experience" (about: 2006) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Safaricom Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The views along the course are breathtaking. Although spectators are small in number, they make up for it in enthusiasm. The Kenyan people couldn't be kinder or more hospitable. Marathon Tours and Travel organized a wonderful trip. I don't know how I will ever top this marathon experience.
R. M. from Nairobi, Kenya (6/27/2006) "Overall outstanding expierience!" (about: 2006) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Safaricom Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This is one of the most amazing races on Earth! No place on the planet can you expierience anything like this! When we first got there we had a little trouble gwtting our tent reservations organized, but the staff was quick to help and erected another tent for the rest of my team in no time at all. Thanks Carol! The food was good and the service was equaly as good. Thr race is a grouling one but it is among the most incredable scenery on earth. After the race a nice cooldown masage is a much appreciated welcome. The party at night after the race is a lot of fun! The Calabash Band plays and keeps the party going as long as you can handle. They are no doubt the best band in Kenya. Don't worry though, if you are not up for the party the camping area is far enough away to get your peace and quiet. I had one of the best weekends I have had in Kenya yet!

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]



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erin gurney from Illinois, USA (7/14/2019) "Out of this world Marathon!" (about: 2019) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Safaricom Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 In my quest to run a marathon on every continent, I picked Safaricom for 2019. This was #4 and the hardest yet but WONDERFUL! The whole trip was organized exceptionally well with the travel agency and Tusk, the charity this race supports. I was a little unsure about the charity part since I never heard of Tusk. The day before the race, we went to see a school, water project and clinic all funded by Tusk with their staffers from the UK. It was amazing! After the marathon, we visited Uganda and their schools were not nearly as well run and funded as the Tusk programs. I say that in case of concern, but once there I was so proud to have fundraised for such a diverse and robust charity helping with so many projects in Africa. The race - I trained with hills and elevation but when there and combined with the heat - the 2nd lap was unfortunately half walk and run. To put in perspective, my best marathon was Amsterdam at 4:45. Safaricom took me 6 hours. The volunteers on the trail were amazing! They have people on motor bikes checking on you and the water stations too. I prefer solo running but some of the stations had people dressed up as clowns, music, and woman giving out roses if you want some fan fair but it does get quieter for round two. They also have water misters that were wonderful! The aid stations were always staffed until the end and perfectly placed when you needed them. I have a great picture with a zebra in the background as I ran mile 14 solo. Tip - There are a lot of local half marathoners that are walkers. If I were to run this again, start in the front behind the elite runners. I spent a lot of energy trying to pass these slow half marathoners to get the 1st part done before the heat kicked up. They request people walk on the left but no one was there at the briefing to pay attention. I was shifting left to right and the middle of the trail for those first few miles and sections there after were sand. I felt like I used extra energy that I could have saved for the 2nd 13 miles. As I had read, when you start that 2nd lap it's a totally difference race. Everyone is finally gone and to me this is where it began. The same trail is all your own - running thru Africa! And this is where you know the hills are coming, it's getting hotter, and you gotta be ready to keep pushing. It is worth it! I was able to run the last 3 miles since it was flatter and down hill too. Also, my husband spectated from the water station run by the lodge we stayed at. He even had a great time. He thought so highly of the race, and does not run, but said in a few years he would like to return and run the half. We loved our time in Lewa Downs and have memories for ever!
J. J. from New York (7/4/2018) "One-of-a-kind marathon experience" (about: 2018) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Safaricom Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 What an experience! This marathon is challenging - between the altitude, the hills, and the heat - so you're not aiming for a PR. But it's amidst beautiful scenery, it's pretty well organized, and it's for a good cause.
Shelly Henry from California (6/3/2015) "Fantastic adventure!" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Safaricom Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 It's possibly the wildest adventures you'll ever do. The course takes you through Lewa safari park with wild animals roaming around. They have helicopters hovering over the course to look for animals getting close to the runners path and if they spot one, they lower the helicopter to chase them away! I booked all my travels through www.steeboksafaris.com. George Karuku is a wonderful man. He put together an itinerary for me including the marathon and a safari costing much less than the other options.
M. S. from Livonia, MI USA (7/15/2013) "The ultimate adventure run!" (about: 2013) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Safaricom Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Great, tough, course. Average altitude just under 5,600 ft, 16 miles of hills, 90 degree heat at finish, no trees, few spectators, all trails. Mentally tough. The second loop is a repeat of first loop, but without the half runners. If you thought it was hard the first time, the second loop screams 'now do it in the heat and completely fatigued'. Add 45 minutes to an hour to your average time. Only 121 finishers in 2013, 90% of runners do the half. Glad I went the distance. I'll never forget it. Marathon Tours made everyday an adventure. Highly recommended.
P. K. from Portsmouth, Ohio (7/3/2010) "Amazing Race" (about: 2010) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Safaricom Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 If you want an amazing adventure and race of a lifetime, then this one is for you. The course was very challenging (high elevation, hilly, sunny, and hot) but the scenery was amazing. The race was extremely well organized and everyone was well taken care of. There are plenty of water stops along the way and they are well equipped with water, sponges, oranges and a local electrolyte drink. The volunteers, spectators, and everyone involved with the race were outstanding. If you are running the full, you can go for long stretches without seeing anyone. I entered through Marathon Tours and they did a fantastic job providing us with a trip of a lifetime.
MR ISAAC SANG from Nairobi Kenya (4/28/2009) "Most challenging race in the world." (about: 2008) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Safaricom Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 You will never understand the challenge of such a wild run unless you participate in it. There is reason to be nervous because of the jungle's big five (since they may be roaming around waiting for prey), but the organizers were excellent and would be able to handle any risky situations. Keep it up!
chiku waithaka from Nairobi kenya (7/2/2008) "A must-do!" (about: 2008) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Safaricom Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is one of the toughest marathons in the world - the only one where wild animals are privileged to be among the spectators. The 21K was a loop of ascents and descents, which were quite challenge to those who had not trained enough. The 42K was a repeat loop of the 21K, and I must say, "kudos" to those who completed it. The organization was done to perfection, and every runner was taken care of individually - from the rabbit-paced to the snail-paced, and from the start to the finish. Water points were a bit spaced out, but everything I needed was in place when I got there (from fruit to energy drink). Spectators really boosted my morale and kept me going with their cheering and dances, as most of us struggled to be finishers! the last kilometer was my longest and toughest, but my slogan - "stopping is a crime" - held me back from walking. I finished strong and weak, and recorded a life-time experience. This is something you must do at least once in your life!
S. M. from San Francisco, USA (1/5/2008) "Good race to do in Africa" (about: 2006) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Safaricom Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I entered the marathon through Marathon Tours. The course was a two-loop trek. The first time around there is plenty of company as the half-marathon runners start with the full. The course was pretty desolate the second time around. There were times that there were no other runners in sight ahead or behind me. I always felt very safe, though. I saw one elephant being ushered off the course by a helicopter but otherwise not a lot of animals out and about. The helicopter and spotter plane meant to keep away dangerous animals also tend to scare off the benign ones. Definitely carry your own liquids/fuel as the aid stations are spaced far apart and the climate was a challenge (high-altitude, very sunny). Bottled water and an energy drink were available on the course (I brought my own Gatorade from home). There were a few significant uphill climbs. Spectators are few and far between but are very enthusiastic. Kenya was beautiful and I highly recommend the Masai Mara extension package (definitely the highlight of the trip and I would have considered the trip almost pointless without it). A good percentage of our tour group came down with a 24-hour GI tract bug (a few people were unable to attempt the race because of it), but I suppose that is a risk with any destination marathon of this nature. Definitely recommend as a destination race.
S. R. from Alpharetta, Georgia (7/26/2006) "Amazing Experience" (about: 2006) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Safaricom Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The views along the course are breathtaking. Although spectators are small in number, they make up for it in enthusiasm. The Kenyan people couldn't be kinder or more hospitable. Marathon Tours and Travel organized a wonderful trip. I don't know how I will ever top this marathon experience.
R. M. from Nairobi, Kenya (6/27/2006) "Overall outstanding expierience!" (about: 2006) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Safaricom Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This is one of the most amazing races on Earth! No place on the planet can you expierience anything like this! When we first got there we had a little trouble gwtting our tent reservations organized, but the staff was quick to help and erected another tent for the rest of my team in no time at all. Thanks Carol! The food was good and the service was equaly as good. Thr race is a grouling one but it is among the most incredable scenery on earth. After the race a nice cooldown masage is a much appreciated welcome. The party at night after the race is a lot of fun! The Calabash Band plays and keeps the party going as long as you can handle. They are no doubt the best band in Kenya. Don't worry though, if you are not up for the party the camping area is far enough away to get your peace and quiet. I had one of the best weekends I have had in Kenya yet!

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Marathon Details - Safaricom Marathon