Eliud Kipchoge is the star attraction at Lewa Marathon
Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge crosses the finish line to win the elite men's race of the 2016 London Marathon in central London on April 24, 2016 PHOTO | JUSTIN TALLIS |
What you need to know:
- Elijah Mbogo and Fridah Lodepa were crowned winners in the men’s and women’s races respectively last year.
Two-time London Marathon winner Eliud Kipchoge will be the star runner at Saturday’s Safaricom Lewa Marathon at the Lewa Conservancy.
Kipchoge, who also won the Chicago (2014) and Berlin (2015) marathons, will feature in the 21km race as he runs for a good cause while also preparing for the forthcoming Rio Olympic Games where he will lead Kenya’s assault on the marathon title.
“It is a great honour for me to take part in the Safaricom Lewa Marathon and also get a chance to launch my Rio Gold bid as we look forward to one of the biggest events in the world’s athletics calendar,” he said.
The 17th edition of the marathon has attracted participants from 28 countries including USA, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Britain, Canada, Finland, South Africa, Italy and hosts Kenya.
Races as usual will be in the men’s and women’s 42km, 21km individual and corporate challenge and 2km children fun run.
The race is aimed at supporting initiatives by Safaricom and Lewa Trust to protect wildlife and local communities.
The Lewa Marathon has raised approximately Sh380 million over the years that has been used to set up development activities for communities living around the conservancy in Isiolo, Meru and Laikipia counties.
Elijah Mbogo and Fridah Lodepa were crowned winners in the men’s and women’s races respectively last year.
