This archive report was first published on 5 July 2020.
Published on July 5, 2020
Eliud Kipchoge, the world marathon record holder, has taken on a new challenge: running to save wildlife.
On Saturday, Kipchoge joined six rangers from the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy for a practice run ahead of the Virtual Lewa Safari Marathon Challenge on June 27.
The conservancy, which has raised Sh50 million annually for conservation, community development, and education projects across Kenya, has come up with the fresh idea of the virtual marathon challenge due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Flown in from his base in Eldoret, Kipchoge was joined by world half marathon record holder Geoffrey Kamworor, Toronto Marathon course record holder Philemon Rono, and Jonathan Korir, a 2:06:45 marathoner.
They were also accompanied by Sarah Watson, the Director of Programmes in Africa for conservation concern Tusk Trust, and Lewa's head of anti-poaching Edward Ndiritu.
“I urge everybody to participate and just run where they are. We are all part of the human family and we must keep strong, stay fit, observe directives from our government, and know this situation is not permanent,” Kipchoge appealed.
“I have never taken part in the Lewa (Safari) Marathon before, but it was very inspiring to run with the rangers today in this beautiful conservancy and motivate them,” he added.
