Fitness is good for your physical and mental health. Fitness for a good cause is even better. Safaricom, Tusk Trust and Lewa Conservancy have launched the Safaricom Marathon 2016, which is scheduled for June 25th 2016 at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Isiolo County. The theme this year remains as last year “Run for a good cause”
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is an award-winning catalyst and model for community conservation, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Green List of successful protected areas.
Now in its 17th year, the Marathon has grown from a comparatively small event with only 180 runners in the year 2000 to over 1,400 participants from 35 countries across five continents in 2015.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Joe Ogutu, Safaricom’s Director for Strategy and Innovation said that the Safaricom Marathon has had great impact on the lives of communities that live within and around Lewa conservancy. “What began as an idea to save endangered species has transformed thousands of lives, as communities are now able to benefit from health, water and community projects, thanks to funds raised through the marathon,” he said.
Last year, the Safaricom Marathon raised over Kshs.60 million, bringing the total amount raised so far to over Kshs.445 million. This year, Safaricom has given Kshs 30 Million shillings towards the marathon. These funds have been used to support various initiatives in wildlife conservation, education, water and sanitation, agriculture and health within and around the conservancy.
“We appreciate the role our partners have played in this journey, and acknowledge the participants who endure the tough terrain each year to ensure we are able to conserve wildlife while making life better for communities more comfortable,” said Mike Watson, CEO, Lewa Conservancy.
Registration for the Safaricom Marathon 2016 opens today 25th February 2016. As has been the tradition, the Marathon will have three categories which include: 5km children’s fun race, the 21km half marathon – which will include team races – and the full marathon (42km).