Lewa Safari Marathon

“This is my first time participating in the Lewa Safari Marathon, and winning it is a major milestone in my athletics career.”

In 2026, the runner took part for the first time, won the women's 42 km race in 2 hours 50 minutes 39 seconds, and said that conservation, the race's impact on the local community, and the reputation of the rugged course were why they wanted to take part.

“My breath rasps as I tackle a hill that holds a mirage-like ending, justifying why this race is regarded as one of the world’s toughest, and quickly humbling my previous marathon experience; and yet I enjoy – nearly – every step as my motivation is fuelled by thoughts of how this momentary hardship metamorphises into lasting support for the plains’ residents and surrounding communities.”

The runner ran as an international participant in the 2025 25th-anniversary half marathon. The runner found the elevation and unpaved hills challenging, but was deeply impressed by the wildlife, the support along the course, and the significance of the funds raised for conservation.

“The course was two identical 21 km loops.”

In 2025, full marathon participants endured a tough second half with the heat, hills, and blisters at course, and finished in 3 hours 53 minutes.

“It was amazing.”

In 2022, the runner completed 42.2 km barefoot in just under 5 hours. The heat, thorns, and rough ground were difficult, but the runner vividly described seeing rhinos, buffalo, and elephants, as well as the race's safety arrangements.

“A literal Safari.”

The runner describes their experience of travelling and camping in Kenya with their father at the 2013 race and being overtaken by Kenya's elite runners on the course.

“The conditions on race day were ideal, cool with some cloud cover.”

As a half-marathon participant in 2011, the runner describes training on sandy paths, the hilly course inside the wildlife sanctuary, and a safari experience before the start.