A must attend event for leisure runners, the ever growing and improving Lewa Marathon is back yet again for its latest edition yet.

On Saturday, June 28 over 1,400 runners from across the globe will gather at the breathtaking Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Northern Kenya for the 25th edition of the Lewa Safari Marathon. The much revered and well meaning event will take place this year under the inspiring theme, "Connecting Generations through 25 Years of Conservation,"

This year's event marks a significant milestone in one of the world’s most unique sporting experiences, considering the event was cancelled last year due to the political temperatures during the June 25th 2024 Gen Z protests.

More than just a race, the Lewa Safari Marathon is a powerful movement that has, for a quarter-century, blended the spirit of sport with the mission of conservation and community uplifting.

John Mitei was victorious in the last edition of the event in 2023, clocking 2:21:23 to emerge tops. Isack Koech and Hezron Karanja were second and third respectively.

The women's edition was won by Mercy Kwambai in a time of 2.48.35. Zeddy Jerop and Frida Lodepa completed the podium places.

"We are very happy since the funds that we receive from the race has helped us erect an electric fence that has helped us sort the problem of Elephants breaking into our farms,” said John Kinoti, who is Chief Program and Partnerships Officer at Lewa.

Head of community development programs Lawrence Riungu underscored the funds driven from the marathon has positively impacted the community.

"The marathon has been a big blessing to the community living around the conservancy. Farmers have benefited from the electric fence which was put to scare the elephants and other huge animals from invading their farms."

The funds raised go far beyond the finish line, by supporting critical projects in education, healthcare, community development, and water access for thousands of people in Kenya.

The impact is evident: from pulling Kenya’s black rhino population back from the edge of extinction, to protecting the critically endangered Grevy’s zebra, and delivering education and essential services to underserved communities.

Lewa’s conservation model has become a global benchmark, and the marathon plays a central role in sustaining it.

Rated by Runner’s World as one of the top ten “must-do” marathons on the planet, the Lewa Safari Marathon offers participants a truly one-of-a-kind challenge—running a 10km, 21km, or 42km race through rugged trails, across open savannah, and beneath the shade of towering acacia trees, all while surrounded by some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife, including the Big Five.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site, set at 5,500 feet above sea level, offers a dramatic and humbling terrain for runners of all levels—from elite athletes to conservation enthusiasts. The marathon not only unites generations in celebration but also in action—ensuring that wildlife, wild lands, and local communities continue to thrive for decades to come.

As the sun rises over Lewa on June 28, every step taken will be a stride for conservation, legacy, and a better future.