The 26th edition of the Lewa Safari Marathon is set to bring together more than 1,300 runners from Kenya and across the world at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Meru County this weekend, with eyes firmly fixed on two compelling title battles that promise to make this year’s race one to remember.
Samson Lemayan, the 32-year-old Maralal-born athlete who trains at Iten’s high-altitude camps, is looking to successfully defend the men’s marathon crown he claimed at the last edition. Lemayan has expressed confidence in his build-up ahead of the 42-kilometre race through one of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife settings, insisting he has done the groundwork needed to hold off challengers on race day.
The women’s race carries its own compelling storyline. Gladys Otero, who last lifted the women’s title back in 2012, returns to the Lewa course with a clear ambition to reclaim former glory after a 14-year absence. Her prospects have received a significant boost following the withdrawal of defending champion Mercy Kwambai, who had been chasing what would have been a historic third consecutive victory.
In the men’s half marathon, Michael Kirwa steps onto the start line as the reigning champion, bidding to hold on to the 21km title he secured during the previous season’s race.
Race organizers are targeting approximately Ksh 15 million in fundraising from this year’s event, all of which will be channelled towards conservation and community development programs across Northern Kenya. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy CEO Rob Macaire set the mood ahead of the weekend, declaring, “The markers have been laid. There is incredible buzz in the air.” Three months of preparations have gone into readying the course, covering everything from route clearance to security arrangements for thousands of participants.
Beyond the athletics, the marathon has built a powerful legacy of community impact since its founding. Proceeds raised since 2000 have supported 28 schools with classroom construction, dormitories, digital learning equipment, and student scholarships. Four clinics that serve remote communities within a 25-kilometre radius of Lewa also rely on race revenue to keep their doors open, bringing healthcare to populations that would otherwise go without. The event’s broader programme extends to education, healthcare, and sustainable agriculture initiatives throughout the Northern Kenya region.
Competitors can take part across four race categories: the full 42km marathon, a 21km half marathon, a 10km race, and a 5km junior fun run that gives young Kenyans the chance to share the course with elite athletes.
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