Race Information
Please note: the information below applies to the 2026 marathon. This will be updated for 2027 in due course.
There are four race categories; The Full Marathon, Half Marathon, The Executive 10km race and the Children’s 5km Race.
The course is set on dirt roads that take the runners on a 13 mile route through the conservancy — across savannah plains, along river banks and through acacia woodland. Half Marathon runners complete one loop of the course, Full Marathon runners, two.
Half 13 miles – 21.1km | Full 26 miles = 42.2km
Click on images below to download PDF versions of the Course Route Map, Event Map and terrain profiles of Full & Half marathon.
The entry fee for the Full and Half Marathon is £150. Your place will only be confirmed once full entry fee payment has been received.
In addition, there is a minimum fundraising requirement of £1,750 per person.
The entry fee for the Kids 5km Race is £50 and for Spectators it is £150.
There is no fundraising requirement for children (or spectators), although we encourage everyone to do what they can to raise funds and awareness for the cause.
You must be 18 or older to enter the Full or Half Marathon.
There are two age categories for the Children’s 5km Race – 10 to 13 and 14 to 17 (inclusive).
Please make sure you have read the Lewa Safari Marathon Race Rules. You can download a copy by clicking here.
Each runner will be given their running number at Race Registration at Lewa. Your running number and colour determines whether you are a full or half marathon runner as well as whether you are male or female.
Please ensure your number is fixed to the front of your shirt with the four safety pins provided. Please complete the medical/contact information on the back of your running number, as this will help the organisers in the event of an emergency.
Your running number is fitted with a chip timing device which will record your race time when you cross the mat at the finish line. Your chip is programmed to your running number and entry information.
Please be sure not to damage the chip when you fasten your running number to your shirt.
There will be frequent water stations on your race route (every 2.5km).
Water, energy drink, oranges and bananas will be provided at every water station for full and half marathon runners as well as at the finish.
There will be misting stations situated along the course.
Water stations and first aid points are situated every 2.5km around the course. Each water station is equipped with basic first aid to help with minor medical complaints such as blisters. There will be a member of the Red Cross based at each water station.
A helicopter is on standby to collect any runner who needs urgent medical attention and to take them to the AMREF tent at the finish. Should anyone require further medical treatment, fully equipped planes are on standby for evacuation to Nairobi.
There is a Recovery Tent located at the finish for basic medical treatment (and massage) which is available for all runners. The recovery tent is manned by doctors, medics and physiotherapists
There will be a Red Cross ambulance situated in the finish area as well as three ambulances around the course.
A month’s subscription to AMREF Maisha Bronze scheme is included automatically in your registration fee. This subscription will run as from the 26th June and end on the 9th July, it allows up to two air evacuations within Kenya annually in case of a medical emergency. Please note this is NOT medical insurance and will only cover the cost of evacuation by air ambulance. All runners are required to have full medical insurance. The event will not be liable for any medical costs beyond air evacuation.
The race is run on a game reserve and animals will be seen during the race. When running stay on the designated course and only use the official toilets if required. The course will be patrolled at all times and there will be armed rangers located around the course. A helicopter and Supercub light aircraft monitor the movements of the large species during the race.
Upon completion of the race, each runner is presented with a medal and goody bag. Prizes for race and age group categories, and corporate fundraising, are awarded at a prize giving ceremony at 12.30pm.
In the interest of all participants and wildlife, we do have a strict ‘no pets’ policy for the duration of the marathon. Pets will not be permitted in the campsites or on the course.
“If you have the desire to run in Africa, the Lewa Safari Marathon will not disappoint.”
– Alison Mango, Runners World
