This archive report was first published on 7 July 2019.
July 7, 2019
The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy marked a significant milestone with the 20th edition of the Safaricom Marathon, a premier sporting event that has grown in popularity over the years.
Since its inaugural event in 1999, the marathon has evolved from a low-key affair with 180 runners to a world-class event that attracts over 20,000 participants annually.
Among the notable participants was Dave Buzza, who became the first and only British national to win the race.
Today, the marathon is considered one of the world's most iconic and challenging sporting events, with a significant portion of the proceeds going towards conservation and community development initiatives in Kenya.
As part of the celebrations, spectators and runners had the opportunity to explore the conservancy's landscapes and wildlife through self-driven tours.
On the day of the marathon, the atmosphere was electric, with the majority of competitors and spectators filtering into their campsites on Friday, transforming Lewa's southern swamp into a hive of activity and anticipation.
Among the spectators was Jan Fox, who joined the 'TumeLEWAaa' team, formed by Weldon Kennedy, co-founder of Kenyan running shoe brand Enda.
As Fox watched the runners cross the finish line, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment, particularly for the team's members who excelled in their respective categories.
Later that afternoon, the group convoyed north in search of a good sundowner spot, taking in the breathtaking views of the Isiolo Valley and spotting a variety of wildlife, including buffaloes, Grevy's zebras, oryx, hyenas, and black and white rhinos.
The highlight of the trip was stumbling upon Pombe Rock, an incredible viewpoint overlooking the Isiolo Valley, where a herd of elephants wandered across the plain below, providing a fitting finale to another memorable marathon weekend in Lewa.
Jan Fox is a Director at iDC.
