Lewa Safari Marathon set for grand return
After two year’s suspension due to Covid-19, the Lewa Safari Marathon returns on June 25, 2022 at the Lewa Conservancy in Isiolo County.
Former Taiyuan Marathon champion Chemtai Rionotukei is one of the athletes expected to make her debut at the event.
The 35-year-old mother of two is currently stepping up her training in Iten for the race.
“I will use the forthcoming Eldoret City Marathon on April 10 to gauge my performance ahead of Lewa,” said the 2016 Dongquan Marathon champion. Two-times champion, Fridah Lodepa (2013 and 2015,) has also shown interest in fighting for a third crown in Lewa. Yesterday, mobile services providers Safaricom and Huawei Technologies offered their support for the race to a tune of Sh10 million each.
Organisers further announced that World marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge will take part in a series of races in the expansive Lewa Conservancy to build up momentum for the marathon.
Other sponsors who came on board were Kenya Breweries Limited (Shs8 million) and Tetra Pak (Sh 2 million).
“As official water sponsors for the race, we will promote sustainable packaging in line with our global campaign which is ‘Go nature.Go carton’ that is advocating for carbon reduced and carbon neutral package certification and labels,” Stella Ondimu, Tetra Pak Communications Manager, Africa, said.
Ondimu’s sentiments were reiterated by Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Chief Executive Officer, Mike Watson saying: “This year’s race aims to be the most environmental friendly event in the marathon’s history.
“This drive is inspired by the urgent need to reduce our carbon footprint, which aligns with our ethos and standards as we strive to be a model for biodiversity and ecosystem preservation.”
Paul Kasimu, the Chief Human Resource Officer, Safaricom, said their objective in the marathon is to help change lives for better.
“As away of promoting sports, we are also involved in other initiatives like the Safaricom Golf Series, Chapa Dimba football and the Safaricom Athletics Series,” Kasimu noted.
Registration for the Lewa Safari Marathon will begin on March 23,2022.
Organisers are targeting over 1000 athletes, both elite and amateur.
