2014 Lewa Marathon raised record Sh58m, targets more this year

A record Sh58m was realised during last year’s Safaricom Lewa Marathon that attracted 1,400 participants and 5,000 spectators.

When announcing the figures, Safaricom chief executive officer Bob Collymore said they were targeting raising over Sh60m in this year’s event that will be held on June 27 at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy with 1,500 participants expected.

This year’s theme is “Run for a good cause” with key focus on raising funds for wildlife protection and supporting community projects around the conservancy. Registration for this year’s marathon started on Wednesday.

Collymore said last year’s fundraising event attracted 1,200 runners in half and full marathons with 180 children taking part in the kids race.

“Over 5,000 spectators and contestants from 43 nationalities were represented in the event,” said Collymore.

Collymore noted that it’s was through their initiate that no rhinoceros were lost to poachers in the last one year.

“This was due to the security measures that had been put in place to keep away poachers,” he said.

“It also gives me joy to note that 15 new rhinoceros were born in 2014, this being the highest number since the launch of Lewa conservancy.”