The annual Lewa Safari Marathon, organised by Tusk, with the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and powered by Safaricom and Huawei returned on June 27th 2026. The festival of running invited participants from all over the globe to compete in the internationally acclaimed event, running through one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife conservancies and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With three distances to choose from; full marathon, half marathon and 10k, runners experienced the wide savannahs, woodland paths and undulating beauty of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
Regarded as one of Kenya’s top sporting events and by Runner’s World as one of the world’s top ten “must do” marathons, runners of all abilities take part. Individuals and corporate teams enjoyed an unforgettable experience running alongside some of Africa’s most amazing wildlife and witnessing firsthand the difference made by the funds raised.
The Lewa Safari Marathon 2026 took place on Saturday 27th June. Dates for 2027 will be announced next year.
Go to Lewa Safari Marathon website
Take me thereThis unique marathon has raised millions of dollars to fund Tusk supported wildlife conservation and community development in Kenya over the past 25 years. From supporting the recovery of Kenya’s black rhino population from the brink of extinction and protecting the world’s critically endangered Grevy’s zebra, to providing healthcare, water and improved infrastructure for communities, as well as funding education programmes, the funds this marathon raises are invaluable to thousands across the country.
Lewa Safari Marathon 2026
The event returned to Kenya on 27th June! Organised by Tusk in partnership with the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and co-headline sponsored by telecoms giants Safaricom and Huawei, all funds raised from this unique event are invested directly into Tusk’s projects in Kenya – including the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
Lewa Safari Marathon 2025
The Lewa Safari Marathon 2025 took place on 28th June. Runners from Kenya and around the world came together to run in support of Kenya’s wildlife and communities.
Lewa Safari Marathon 2023
For the 24th annual Lewa Safari Marathon, John Mitei won the men’s marathon, crossing the finish line in 2:21:23. Mercy Kwambai was the first women across the line in an impressive 02:48:35. Half-marathon winners were Nelson Rono and Beatrice Cheburet with times of 01:05:32 and 01:16:15 respectively.
It was tough - tougher than anything I’d been faced with before and required every inch of my energy, stamina and stubbornness... What got me through was the knowledge of what we were raising money for, the children who sang for us in their classroom built by Tusk and the communities that will benefit from a new reservoir. This is what the Safari Marathon is about.
Pippa Middleton - Full Marathon competitor 2015
Support Conservation in Africa Today
DonateOur Initiatives
Wildlife Ranger Challenge
The Wildlife Ranger Challenge (WRC) is a unique physical endurance event that connects over 170 Wildlife Ranger teams from 24 African countries, and symbolises the growing movement of global solidarity with the Wildlife Ranger profession. Find out more...
Tusk Conservation Symposium
The Tusk Conservation Symposium brings together our project partners from across the continent, who may not otherwise get an opportunity to share their knowledge and best practice. Find out more...
Tusk Conservation Awards
The annual Tusk Conservation Awards were established in 2013 in partnership with Ninety One and in conjunction with HRH The Prince of Wales, to celebrate the achievements of extraordinary people whose work protecting Africa’s irreplaceable natural heritage might otherwise go unnoticed. Find out more...