This year's Safaricom Marathon will take place on the 29th June 2013 at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in northern Kenya. What began as a simple idea back in 2000 has now grown into a world-renowned event. This unique marathon is exceptional in many ways -- it combines an unusual fundraising initiative with one of Kenya’s greatest sporting passions - running! 

The Safaricom Marathon allows participants from all over the globe to compete in an internationally acclaimed event whilst running through some of Africa’s most breath-taking scenery.  As a result, it has developed into one of the country’s major sporting events with a reputation for being one of the ten “must do” marathons in the world.

Through the partnership of Safaricom Ltd, Tusk Trust and the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, the event has grown from 180 runners in 2000 raising $50,000 to 1000 runners in 2012 raising $574,000.

Since the inaugural marathon in 2000, US$3.8m has been raised for a wide range of projects. Through grants funded by the marathon, literally thousands of Kenyans have benefitted through schools, hospitals, as well as community and conservation projects.

Over the years, this unique event has captured the imagination of the running fraternity and secured the longstanding support of some of Kenya’s world class athletes, including Paul Tergat and Catherine Ndereba. Evocative images of competitors ‘running wild’ within a game reserve have appeared on television and in magazines around the world.

Download your copy of the 2013 event brochure

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There are three accommodation options for runners and spectators wishing to stay at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy over the marathon weekend.

SELF CATERING CAMPSITE:

KSh3,000 per person per night (children 5-12 years KSh1,500, children under 5 free, no reduction for camp staff)

The campsite is equipped with water points, cold showers, firewood and long drop loos. Competitors and spectators wishing to use the campsite are required to bring ALL camping equipment and food for the duration of their stay. The Campsite is open from Friday 28th June to Sunday 30th June.

The demand for the self-catering campsite this year has meant that we have had to alter the way in which we manage this area. To ensure that the space is used efficiently and that everyone has an enjoyable camping experience we have decided to differentiate between those people who are using an outside operator to set up their camp and those people which are truly self-catering.

Therefore, there will no longer be any differentiation between quiet and non-quiet. Instead we will have a Commercial Campsite and a Self-Catering Campsite, which will be controlled through the use of relevant wristbands. In the commercial campsite we will allocate areas for your camp operator to set up in depending on the size of the group. We ask that if you are using a commercial operator to erect your camp that they set up the camp in the area allocated to them.

This event is held in a wildlife conservancy and, therefore, space within the designated camping areas is restricted. We therefore ask for your cooperation with the camp marshals and that all campers respect their neighbors and act with consideration.

If you propose to use an independent safari operator you MUST inform the organisers so that space can be allocated for your camp. Please email marathon@lewa.org by 1st June, 2012

SAFARICOM VILLAGE:

KSh10,000 per person per night sharing. (Children 5-12 years KSh5,000 sharing with parents, children under 5 free). NB: The minimum stay at the Safaricom Village is two nights.

The Safaricom Village consists of Igloo or similar type tents equipped with twin camp beds and bedding with one blanket. Spotlights are placed to illuminate the paths leading to the tents. You are required to bring your own torch and towel. Communual cold showers and long drop loos are situated behind the tents. Due to limited space there is no single occupancy of tents. It can be cold at night and in the early morning, so bring warm clothing. Meals are served in a spacious semi-open mess with buffet area. The food includes full breakfast, varied buffet lunches and 3-course meals in the evening. Water, tea and coffee are served with every meal. Meals are served on receipt of meal tickets which are distributed at registration. The Pasta/Nyama Choma Party is inclusive for all those staying in the village. A wide selection of drinks is available at the cash bar.

To make reservations for the Safaricom Village, please contact the camp operator directly. Call Lorraine at Location Africa Safaris Ltd on mobile 0724 926 571, landline 020-434 8280 / 8892 or email reservations@locationafricasafaris.com

MARIDADI CAMP:

KSh 23,375 per person per night sharing. (Children 5-10 years KSh 10,750 sharing with parents, children under 5 free), KSh 25,075 single. NB: The minimum stay at the Maridadi Camp is two nights and single supplement of KSh 7,395 extra per night.

The Maridadi Camp is a traditional, comfortable, mobile tented camp with large walk-in tents with a verandah. They are fully equipped with twin beds, bedding, towels, side table, hurricane lantern, torch, table, wash basin, mirror and chairs. There is a hot ‘bush’ shower and short drop loos attached to the rear, shared between two tents. Meals are served in a spacious semi-open mess tent with dining and buffet area. Meals consist of full English breakfast, buffet lunch and 3-course meals in the evenings. The Pasta/Nyama Choma Party is inclusive for those staying in the Maridadi Campsite. Water, tea and coffee are served with all meals. Other drinks can be bought from a cash bar.

Please note the Maridadi Camp is situated quite close to the headquarters, but it is not safe to walk out of the campsite and therefore transport is a necessity to reach the Start, Finish or Race Headquarters.

To make reservations for the Maridadi Camp please contact the camp operator directly. Call Lorraine at Location Africa Safaris Ltd on mobile 0724 926 571, landline 020-434 8280 / 8892 or or email reservations@locationafricasafaris.com

TRAVEL TO AND FROM LEWA WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY:

Road
The organisers are unable to provide road transfers for competitors. To organise a hire car and/or transfers from Nairobi to Lewa please contact your local travel agent for more information. Please note all bookings, payments and contracts are to be made directly with your travel agent. There is no accommodation for drivers at Lewa.

Please note that only 4-wheel drive vehicles will be allowed to drive on the spectator routes.  2-wheel drive vehicles will be allowed access to the campsites but no further.

Directions to LWC by road from Nairobi are as follows:
Take the Thika Road out of Nairobi. Pass through Thika, Makuyu, and Karatina. 11.5km after Karatina, turn right (signposted to Buffalo Springs and Samburu) - if you reach Nyeri Town, you have missed the turning. Pass through Naro Moru, Nanyuki, and Timau. Approximately 10km further on is the Meru/Isiolo junction. Turn Left at this junction heading to Isiolo. About 3km further on, at the bottom of the hill, on the left hand side is the main entrance to LWC.

Air Charter
Safarilink, an air charter company, which operates a daily service between Nairobi and Lewa is offering discounted fares for marathon runners and spectators. As a cosponsor of the event, Safarilink has given preferential rates on single and return flights to Lewa for runners or spectators over the weekend of the marathon. To make a booking please email marathon@lewa.org

Safaricom Marathon
c/o Kisima Ltd, Unit Kilo
Wilson Business Park, Wilson Airport
Nairobi Kenya

Or

Safaricom Marathon
c/o Kisima Ltd
PO Box 20139, 00200, Nairobi
Email: marathon@lewa.org

Location Africa Safaris Ltd:

Mobile: +254 (0) 724 926 571
Mobile: +254 (0) 704 591 512
Landline: +254 (0) 20 434 8280 / 8892
Email: reservations@locationafricasafaris.com

The Safaricom Marathon has stimulated and provided substantial financial help to a wide range of beneficiaries throughout Kenya, with a primary focus on northern Kenya. The impact has been huge and the benefits are very tangible. In its 13 year history the event has raised 281,026,000 Kenya Shillings (US$3.83m).

Tusk and Lewa have always shared a common goal to use wildlife conservation as a catalyst to alleviate poverty, reduce conflict, and improve education and livelihoods in rural areas rich in biodiversity. As such the proceeds from each year's event will continue to be invested in a wide range of projects benefiting sustainable development, education, healthcare, and wildlife. Our clear aim is to balance the needs of rural communities with the objective of preserving Kenya's unique natural heritage for future generations.

Graph 1. Net funds raised each year by the Safaricom Marathon

 

Education

The Lewa Education Programme's main aim is to provide the children on the boundaries of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy with access to the best possible education opportunities and effectively create awareness on the importance of wildlife conservation. Support is given through the development and improvement of infrastructure, the provision and training of teachers, and the facilitation of feeding programmes. The LEP also provides bursaries and scholarships for needy and high performing children in secondary and tertiary levels of education.

The Lewa Education Programme (LEP) partners with 15 public schools that span Laikipia, Meru and Isiolo counties. LEP, through continued marathon funding, has been able to facilitate development in these schools and provide some of the resources needed for a quality education. Funds from the 2012 Safaricom Marathon were equally distributed among all 15 schools. The beneficiaries were Rugusu, Lewa, Kanyunga, JPP, Sang'a, Leparua, Ntalabany, Enaikishomi, Ntugi, Mutunyi, Karimba and Subuiga Primary School. Ngare Ndare and Ntugi Day Secondary Schools were also recipients of the funds.

The school committees, through prioritized development plans, highlighted the needs of each school. With marathon funds, these schools were able to undertake a number of projects; for example, Kanyunga school plans to construct a new ablution block for students. At Subuiga, chairs and lockers were purchased, electricity was installed and revision books were purchased. While at Rugusu a gate was installed at the school entrance and at Ntugi the classroom windows were repaired.

Healthcare

The Safaricom Marathon has, once again, contributed hugely to the healthcare providers in Northern Kenya. District hospitals acquired medical equipment which in turn has enabled them to provide medical services to many of Lewa's neighbouring communities.

Three district hospitals, Meru, Isiolo and Timau, all received medical equipment based on their various hospital requirements. For example, Meru hospital received wards related equipment such as nebulizers, thermometers, stretchers, and scales. The Isiolo District Hospital was able to purchase a laptop computer and printer along with 40 bedside cabinets and a craniotomy set. The Timau sub-district hospital received a vital hematology analyzer. All of these marathon funded donations have helped contribute to an improved healthcare system in the area. The final beneficiary was the Nanyuki Cottage Hospital whose resident physician, Dr. Butt, gives tremendous support to the Lewa Clinic and local communities. Once again, the marathon was able to give financial support to the wildlife injury fund, a fund started in 2000 which is used to treat people from the wider community who are injured by wildlife.

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy aims to work as a catalyst for the conservation of wildlife and its habitat through the protection and management of species, the initiation and support of community conservation and development programmes, and the education of neighbouring communities in the value of wildlife. Spanning 62,000 acres, Lewa is home to over 10 percent of Kenya's black rhino population, over 14 percent of Kenya's white rhino population and the world's largest single population of Grevy's zebra.

Lewa is actively involved in promoting conservation both within its boundaries and in the ecologically important community-owned areas to its north. With a proven track record, Lewa's model of community-based conservation development is being spearheaded across northern Kenya, and emulated by other East African conservation organizations. Lewa has been instrumental in the creation of community conservation areas and is creating a sustainable ecosystem approach to conservation through the protection of large areas of land, allowing for the continued migration of wildlife throughout their natural range.

Funds that were raised during the 2012 Safaricom Marathon were utilized by Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in the following ways:

Salaries and allowances for Lewa's armed team
The rise in demand for rhino horn and ivory from the Far East has made poaching an extremely profitable trade, and conservancies that are home to rhino and elephant have had to significantly improve and reinforce their existing security systems. Poachers are increasingly using sophisticated weapons and techniques; thus, conservancies now require the presence of a highly skilled armed team. Lewa's team is just that—combat-ready Kenya Police Reservists, recruited and trained by the Conservancy and armed by the Kenyan government. This dedicated unit of 23 works tirelessly to protect the animals at risk, as well as the rest of the wildlife. Safaricom Marathon 2012 funds are being used to pay this team's salaries for a period of three months and their allowances for a year.

Operating costs for the armed team's vehicle and annual security flying costs
A day in the life of the armed team is spontaneous and unpredictable. In the event of a security breach, swift action is of paramount importance. Therefore, a vehicle is solely designated for the team's rapid response. Due to Lewa's rugged terrain, this vehicle is in constant need of repair and maintenance. Fuel consumption is also high as the team covers lengthy distances while on duty, either during normal surveillance or while conducting investigations.
To properly secure and monitor Lewa's wildlife, regular aerial surveillance is required. Lewa's aircraft is also of vital importance for conducting investigations into insecurity incidents within and outside Lewa. The Kenya police and the Kenya Wildlife Service frequently call upon Lewa for aerial assistance during follow-ups to poaching or tourist attacks. The Safaricom Marathon 2012 funds are enabling the security department to cover its annual operating costs for the armed team's vehicle and its flying costs.

Annual salary for the fence team
The Lewa fence is of great importance in the Conservancy's security efforts as it prevents entry of unwanted or suspicious people. It also helps in preventing human-wildlife conflict. Because wildlife can only enter or exit Lewa through defined gaps that are equipped with motion-sensitive cameras, the fence enables Lewa's research team to monitor the movement of wildlife.
It is not uncommon for wildlife, especially elephants, to break or destroy a part of the fence. Therefore, the repair and maintenance of the fence is an ongoing job that requires a dedicated team.
Marathon funds were used to pay the fence team's annual salary.

The veterinary team operating costs
Lewa's Mobile Veterinary Unit is active all year round, as they attend to a diverse range of cases in the region. The following are some of the major reasons for veterinary intervention:

• Debilitating animal injuries resulting from bullet wounds, arrows, spears, snares and natural causes such as black rhino territorial fights
• The collaring of individual animals for easier monitoring and ear notching for identification
• Vaccination against diseases and normal routine health checks
• De-tusking and horn trimming of rogue animals
• Conducting of research on the health and survival of different species

Due to these numerous engagements, the veterinary team requires constant funds to finance their operating costs. Funds from last year's marathon were used to cover some of these expenses.

Support to the livestock grazing programme
Safaricom Marathon 2012 funds are being used to support research and cover operating costs for this very important programme that has been in operation since 2008. Lewa's Livestock Grazing Programme has two main objectives- to improve the quality of pasture by eliminating unproductive grass for the benefit of wildlife and to extend socio-economic benefits to areas adjacent to Lewa by contributing towards their livelihoods. The programme has registered great successes; studies have revealed that community cattle grazing on Lewa had better chances of survival and were sold at higher prices, ensuring good profits for the livestock owners.

Northern Rangelands Trust

The Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) is a community-led not-for-profit organization, registered in 2004, whose members represent politically and socially marginalized pastoralist communities of Northern Kenya. NRT was established by communities and other stakeholders involved in conservation in Northern Kenya, recognizing a need for an umbrella organization that would assist communities to use conservation as a means of improving and diversifying livelihoods.

The NRT acts as a catalyst for development of community-based conservation initiatives and is currently working with 19 existing and emerging community conservancies in Laikipia, Samburu, Marsabit, Isiolo, Ijara and Baringo and Tana river districts. These conservancies represent 11 different ethnic groups and cover over 16,000 km2 of community-owned land. Collectively they are re-establishing the wildlife landscape from Mount Kenya, the Mathews Range, the Tana River, and beyond. Conservancies are also providing the institutional platform for communities to address issues of rangeland and livestock management, conflict resolution, natural resource use, tourism development and other nature-based enterprises.

Over the years, the Safaricom Marathon has been a consistent and valuable supporter of NRT and its community conservation projects in Northern Kenya. The 2012 Safaricom Marathon raised USD 100,000 for NRT that provided critical financial support. One of the more important yet difficult fundraising areas facing NRT is core operating costs. The 2012 marathon funding has been allocated to cover salaries and rations of security scouts in 7 NRT community conservancies (Biliqo Bulesa, Melako, Il Ngwesi, Naibunga, Iltungai, Ruko and Leparua). In addition, several conservancies were allocated funds for capital expenses including the purchase of camping equipment to allow for multi-day patrols, handheld radios and solar chargers, as well as a donkey and water cart.

Mount Kenya Trust

The Mount Kenya National Park and Reserve is located to the east of the Great Rift Valley along the equator. The forest zone is the largest single contiguous forest stand remaining in Kenya and its ecosystem as a whole plays a critical role as a water tower for the two main rivers in the country, the Tana and Ewaso Ngiro relied upon by millions of Kenyans. Additionally, varying geographical conditions on Mount Kenya contribute to a diverse range of flora and fauna.

A startling increase in poaching for bush meat and ivory, illegal logging and raging forest fires on Mount Kenya have made the presence of the Mount Kenya Trust all the more vital to the preservation of this world heritage site.

The Mount Kenya Trust, in conjunction with KWS, has set up a horse patrol team to monitor wildlife populations and prevent illegal forest activities (such as illegal logging) on the mountain. The mounted team, the first of its kind in the area, patrol on Ethiopian ponies, a very hardy breed well suited for high altitude conditions and rough terrain. The Trust has employed four men from the local communities and five KWS rangers were trained alongside the MKT recruits. With the addition of horses, the new team is able to cover more ground and has a distinct advantage when approaching and chasing poachers who operate on foot.

Tusk Trust and the Safaricom Marathon have been a lifeline for the projects of the Mount Kenya Trust (MKT) for many years. Last year's marathon was no exception. Funds from this unique event went a long way towards supporting MKT's horse patrol initiative. 2012 marathon funding has enabled MKT to cover the costs of salaries for the horse patrol team leader and area supervisor, rations for 8 patrol team members, veterinary and feed costs of the 8 ponies, as well as stable and camp construction and purchase of VHF radios.

Lewa Communities Development Programme

Lewa does not view itself as an island. The Conservancy works closely with its neighbours to ensure that the conservation of wildlife goes hand in hand with community development. As the ever expanding human population comes into conflict with wildlife, Lewa has been at the forefront of helping communities in northern Kenya to initiate and promote community driven conservation programmes, which allow the people to view wildlife as an asset and not a liability. By directing the benefits of our success to helping our neighbours, Lewa has helped alleviate poverty, and created enthusiasm among communities for wildlife conservation.

This is accomplished through addressing the socioeconomic and development needs of the many communities, which includes community water management, agricultural development programmes, road and infrastructure improvement, womens' microcredit schemes and forestry projects.

Funds raised by the 2012 Safaricom Marathon continue to enhance the livelihoods of the communities surrounding Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and to promote the socioeconomic development that is so critical to the region. Every community is given its share of funds through their respective development committees. These committees take into consideration their community's overall needs and then select projects that are of utmost priority.

In most of the communities neighboring Lewa, water and rural infrastructure projects have been prioritized by their community development committees. Through funding from the 2012 Safaricom marathon, road grading and maintainace, water infrastructure support, and community security posts will be realised, benefitting 7 communities surrounding the conservancy (Leparua, Mutunyi, Ntumburi, Manyangalo, Matunda, and Subuiga).

Ngare Ndare Forest Trust

The 2012 Safaricom Marathon funds have been utilized by the Ngare Ndare Forest Trust (NNFT) to further its conservation programme in the forest reserve.

The NNFT Indigenous Tree Nursery is crucial to ensuring continued supply of seedlings for planting within the farmlands. These seedlings will eventually supply wood products for the community, thus reducing pressure on the indigenous forest reserve. The tree nursery also provides indigenous tree seedlings for rehabilitation of degraded areas within the forest. With the donation from the 2012 Safaricom Marathon, the NNFT was able to undertake development and maintenance of its tree nurseries as well as purchase an additional 100,000 tree seedlings.

In addition, with 2012 marathon funding, NNFT was able to cover vital operating costs. Ngare Ndare forest still suffers from illegal logging and fence post cutting. A portion of the marathon donation was used to fund intensive patrols and a rapid response team to keep loggers at bay.

Kenya Wide Projects

Since 2006, a percentage of the funds raised through the Safaricom Marathon has been distributed via Tusk Trust, the co-organiser of the event, to wildlife conservation, community development and environmental education projects throughout Kenya. In 2012, Tusk distributed Kshs 8,400,000 to twelve different projects, making a significant difference to a variety of causes country-wide. These projects included:

• Maasailand Preservation Trust
• Koiyaki Guiding School
• Olare Orok Conservancy Trust
• Lamu Marine Conservation Trust
• Kora National Park
• Local Ocean Trust- Watamu Turtle Watch
• Bongo Wildlife Clubs
• Kibodo
• Borana Conservancy
• Lekurukki Community Conservancy
• Tsavo Trust
• Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Kenya Wide Projects

Since 2006, a percentage of the funds raised through the Safaricom Marathon has been distributed via Tusk Trust, the co-organiser of the event, to wildlife conservation, community development and environmental education projects throughout Kenya. In 2012, Tusk distributed Kshs 8,400,000 to twelve different projects, making a significant difference to a variety of causes country-wide. These projects included:

• Maasailand Preservation Trust
• Koiyaki Guiding School
• Olare Orok Conservancy Trust
• Lamu Marine Conservation Trust
• Kora National Park
• Local Ocean Trust- Watamu Turtle Watch
• Bongo Wildlife Clubs
• Kibodo
• Borana Conservancy
• Lekurukki Community Conservancy
• Tsavo Trust
• Ol Pejeta Conservancy

The primary objective of the event is to raise funds for the conservation and community projects in Kenya. We are asking competitors to enter into the spirit of the event and do all they can to raise money to benefit these worthy causes. In 2012 Ksh 48,216,000 was raised and this year we hope to raise even more. The beneficiaries of the event are projects geared towards conserving Kenya's wildlife, providing education for children in rural areas, working with local communities to improve livelihoods and delivering quality healthcare. For details visit www.tusk.org or www.lewa.org or visit the information tent at the event.

Tusk Trust is registered with www.virginmoneygiving.com in the UK or www.firstgiving.com in the USA, both online charity fundraising websites which allow you to create a sponsorship form that your friends can easily access and donate to knowing their money is going directly to your chosen cause. UK tax paying donors can enhance their contribution by agreeing to Gift Aid their sponsorship. (For every £10 you raise, Tusk will receive another £2.50 from the Government provided you are a UK tax payer).

Safaricom Marathon 2012 Funds List

Safaricom Marathon 2012 Funds Chart

Safaricom has been the marathon’s Title Sponsor since its inception in 2000 over which time the amount of sponsorship has risen to the current level of Ksh 9.6m. Additional co-sponsorship arrangements roughly double the overall sponsorship secured by the event.

A unique aspect of the event has been its ability to bring together the business community in Kenya. Many companies use the event as a team building opportunity, which engenders a real sense of camaraderie amongst staff, as well as a healthy dose of inter-company rivalry!

As an example the following Kenyan based companies kindly provided valuable co-sponsorship towards the event in 2012: Andy Forwarders, Braeburn Schools, British Airways, Broadband Communication Networks Limited, Cisco Systems, DHL, Ericsson, Forward Mobiles, G4S, GlaxoSmithKline, Highlands Water, Huawei Technologies, The Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists, Kenya ICT Board, Land Rover, Nokia Siemens, Pesa Point, Radio Africa, RedSky, Safarilink, Samsung Electronics, Sea Submarine Communications, Standard Chartered Bank.

In addition, the event has attracted teams from major international companies who have sent teams out to Kenya from the UK and US (including Black Rock, Deutsche Bank, Elephant.co.uk, Investec, and Artemis Investment Management). These overseas teams have raised a substantial proportion of the funds for the good causes.

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REGISTRATION FOR THIS YEAR'S EVENT IS NOW CLOSED

The Safaricom Marathon and Safaricom Half Marathon are open to anyone over the age of 18 years from anywhere in the world. The Safaricom Marathon is an individual race and due to the distance involved (42km) attracts professional/serious runners. The Safaricom Half Marathon (21km) is a team event and attracts a high proportion of recreational runners who are running, often with workmates, to compete against other teams. The Children's Fun Run is open to children between the ages of 10 and 14 years of age and is a 5km run.

Entry is strictly limited to 1,000 runners total. Applications for each race will be accepted on a first come first served basis. There are no exceptions. Entries will not be accepted without a signed disclaimer or completed entry form. Please use a separate form for each competitor / spectator.

Please make cheques payable to: Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Marathon a/c.

Please send completed entry forms and payment to:

Safaricom Marathon
c/o Make a Difference Ltd: Unit Delta
Wilson Business Park, Wilson Airport
Nairobi, Kenya

or

Safaricom Marathon
c/o Make a Difference Ltd
PO Box 20139, 00200
Nairobi, Kenya

Please note that payment for entry and camping fees should be sent to the above address while payments for the Safaricom Village and Maridadi Campsite should be sent to Location Africa Safaris Ltd. Bookings and payments for Safarilink flights should be made through Bush and Beyond.

Cancellation Policy:

Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. There are no exceptions. Camping fees are nonrefundable and non-transferable if cancellation notice is received less than 30 days prior to the event. Cancellation received more than 30 days prior to the event will result in a refund of 70% of all camping fees.

Spectator Entry Form

Click to download the form

Water stations and first aid points are situated every 2.5 km around the course.   Each water station is equipped with basic first aid to help with minor medical complaints such as blisters.

A helicopter is on standby to collect any runner who needs urgent medical attention and take them to the Emergency Tent location at the finish.  Should anyone require further medical treatment we have planes on standby to fly them to Nairobi.

First Aid stations are located at the following places:

• Safaricom Village- a First Aid tent is situated in the Safaricom Village . Open throughout the course of the event, for minor medical problems including stomach upsets, headaches etc.
• Emergency Medical Tent- Situated at the marathon finish this is for emergencies only.  It is managed by AMREF and the flying doctors who will fly anyone that is seriously ill to hospital in Nairobi.
• Recovery Tent- Located at the finish this is for basic medical treatment (and massage) and is available for all runners.

Emergency Procedures:

To get help for yourself or a fellow competitor:

• Contact water station personnel
• Contact a member for the Lewa security force stationed around the course
• Get the attention of the Lewa light aircraft that will be permanently in the air throughout the race
• Flag down one of the motorbikes patrolling the course

Training

Muscular aches and pains occur most commonly after an increase in training. Running training should be increased gradually so that you do not suffer prolonged exhaustion.
Separate your days of heavy mileage with one or two days of lighter training or rest so that your body can refuel your muscles with muscle glycogen. To reduce injury risk, vary your training routes, running surface, pace and distance, and do not always use the same pair of shoes.

If you have flu, a feverish cold or stomach aches, do not train until you have fully recovered. Then start gently and build up gradually. Do not attempt to catch up on lost mileage after illness or injury, as this may cause further damage or illness.
If you have flu it can take as long as a month to recover – so you should consider carefully whether or not you can run a race if the event will take place after you have been ill.

Drinking on the race day

Start a race well hydrated by drinking up to half a pint (250ml) of water or sports drink in the half hour before the start.

There will be frequent water stations on your race route (every 2.5km), but YOU DO NOT NEED to drink at each one. Instead, just swallow a mouthful of water occasionally. If you like sports energy drinks, have one of these instead of, or as well as water.

A balancing act

Drinking too little can lead to problems, as you will always need to replace some of the fluid you lose as sweat. On the other hand, drinking too much can be very dangerous and lead to hyponatraemia (water intoxication), fits, and in some cases death. Drink when you feel the need and DO NOT gulp large volumes of fluids before, during or after a race.

A rough drinking guide

Your drinking needs for a race will vary according to your build, your speed and above all the weather, as these affect how much you sweat.

Faster runners (for example, runners who aim to complete marathons in under 3hrs 30mins) on a warm day may need as much as a litre of fluid per hour (two pints). Slower runners should need less – particularly on a cool day – and should not drink more than 500 ml per hour.

After finishing a race, DO NOT drink large amounts of water. You can only rehydrate (replace lost fluids) gradually over the next 24-48 hours. Eat some salty food as well as spacing out your drinks; by doing this you will not get hyponatraemia and will replace the water salt and glycogen lost when running the marathon.

Eating

Do not change your normal diet drastically in the last week before a race, but eat less protein (meat) and eat more carbohydrate (pasta, bread, potatoes, cereals, rice and sweet foods) – especially for the last three days before the race, when you should also be markedly reducing your training. Eating more carbohydrate loads your muscles with glycogen and will delay or prevent you from ‘hitting the wall’. NB: you will not eat enough carbohydrate unless you reduce your protein intake.

Medical Information

It is the responsibility of the runner to be fit to compete on the day of the race. If you have any medical issues which you think may put you at risk when running a half/full marathon, see your doctor prior to starting a training programme. Runners who should seek medical advice from their doctor include those with existing medical problems or symptoms/signs as follows:

• Heart disease
• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Epilepsy
• High blood pressure

You should also see your own doctor if you have had any signs or symptoms of heart disease.  If anything on the list below applies to you, it is best to get a full cardiac assessment before you take up running.

• There’s a history of heart disease or sudden death in your family.
• You suffer chest pains or discomfort when you exert yourself.
• You experience sudden shortness of breath.
• You have rapid heart palpitations.

Again, it is your responsibility to be fit on the day, do not ruin it by becoming a medical casualty.

All runners should fill in their medical information and contact details of family/friends on the back of their running number before the morning of the race.

 

Marathon tips

1. Famous Club Coach Mike Fanelli has some interesting advice on how to make it through a grueling marathon. He tells runners to divide the race into thirds. They should run the first part of the race with their heads, run the middle part with their personalities, and the finish the race with their hearts. It's the perfect strategy for running the Safaricom Marathon.

2. Part of the reason why marathons are such a popular event for family bonding and team building is because of the sense of community and belonging that it creates. Going through a tough experience together helps people become closer and appreciate one another. As Bill Buffum says, 'The marathon is not really about the marathon, it's about the shared struggle. And it's not only the marathon, but the training.' Do the Safaricom Marathon as a team and grow closer while you run!

3. Running a marathon is tough, but it can be done, especially if you have a solid training programme and a good support system. Rob de Castella explains it best. To paraphrase him slightly: 'If you feel bad at 15km, you're in trouble. If you feel bad at 30km, you're normal. If you don't feel bad at 42, you're abnormal.' The beauty of the Safaricom Marathon is that you run through beautiful scenery instead of crowds and tarmac!

4. When you're running a marathon, you need to remember that it's not a sprint. Pace yourself. Don't burn out when you've barely started. Think of the race in portions and attack with a manageable steady approach. As Oregon Coach Bill Delinger says, 'Good things come slow - especially in distance running.' The Safaricom Marathon route goes through spectacular wildlife and scenery, so be sure to enjoy the view!

5. An unknown wise person was quoted as saying, 'The truth is, running hurts!' A much more famous source gives a lot more encouragement: 'Just do it!' Put the two together and making it through 10km, 21km, or even 42km becomes a challenge well worth overcoming. When you run the Safaricom Marathon, you also contribute to a worthy cause, so don't give up!

6. When you take part in The Safaricom Marathon, you spend a day running and sweating through some of the most beautiful scenery Kenya has to offer. You're surrounded by birds, wildlife, indigenous plants … and medical staff. The Safaricom Marathon proves Jen Rhines quote more clearly than any other race in the world: 'Life (& running) isn't all about time but about our experiences along the way.' Jen Rhines

7. "Marathon training doesn't have to be a grind. By running for about 30 minutes two times a week, and by gradually increasing the length of a third weekly run--the long run--anyone can finish a marathon." --Jeff Galloway. This is the perfect strategy for training for the Safaricom Marathon.

8. "During the hard training phase, never be afraid to take a day off. If your legs are feeling unduly stiff and sore, rest. If you're at all sluggish, rest. Whenever you're in doubt, rest." --Bruce Fordyce, nine-time Comrades Marathon champion from South Africa. Good advice while training for the Safaricom Marathon.

9. "The key step between a great training program and a great race is a great taper. Your last long training run before a marathon should come 3 weeks before the race--not 2." --Pete Pfitzinger, two-time U.S. Olympic marathoner. With only weeks to the Safaricom Marathon, you better take this to heart while training.

10. "Rather than going into a marathon with just one goal--such as finishing in a very specific time--develop a range of goals so that you increase your chances of success." --Jerry Lynch, Ph.D., marathoner. Make sure you remember this while running the Safaricom Marathon.

11. "When using the run-walk method to finish a marathon, the most important walk break comes in the first mile. The second most important one comes in the second mile, and so on. The point is, walk before you become fatigued." --Jeff Galloway. Many participants use the run-walk method to finish the Safaricom Marathon, remember this strategy.

12. "Visualizing perfect running form will help you stay relaxed. Visualize before the race. Then, once you're in the race, pick out someone who's looking good and running relaxed. This will help you do the same." --Gayle Barron, 1978 Boston Marathon champion. Make sure to follow this advice in the upcoming Safaricom Marathon and you'll finish in good time.

13. "Never underestimate the value of a good training partner, even if it's your dog. Training allies will get you out the door on those days when exercise might otherwise be reduced to a finger on the remote control button." --Runner's World editors. Do you have a training partner for the Safaricom Marathon?

14. "Thanks to the race-day adrenaline rush, any pace will feel easier than normal. So make a conscious effort to hold back in the early miles." --Lorraine Moller.

Running the Safaricom Marathon will be much easier if you follow this advice.

The course is a 21km loop run on rough dirt roads over an undulating route through the conservancy. The full marathon is run over two loops of the course and the half marathon over one loop. The course lies at an average altitude of 5,500 ft. 

Temperatures can range from 12-15 Degrees Centigrade in the morning and 30-35 Degrees Centigrade in the afternoon.

If you feel ill on race day it’s important to withdraw from the race. Most medical emergencies at the Safaricom Marathon occur because people who aren’t well enough to run try to continue. If you feel feverish, have been vomiting, have had severe diarrhea or any chest pains, or otherwise feel unwell, then it is unfair to you, your family, your sponsors and the race support staff to risk serious illness and become a medical emergency. Even if you make it to the finish, you’re unlikely to enjoy the day or give your best performance.

Don’t feel pressured to run because you’ve been building up to it or have collected sponsorship money and have been fundraising for the event.

It’s also important to withdraw from the race if you’re not fully prepared. You should have a good indication of your fitness from your training, but as a benchmark, if you can’t comfortably run 15 miles a month before the race, you probably won’t be able to safely complete in the Safaricom Marathon.

Race officials and any members of the medical team reserve the right to pull out any runner from the race for reasons of health and safety.
Runners will be disqualified for the following:

• Running with the wrong number, or without a number
• Changing numbers with another runner
• Deviating from the route

Your number determines whether you are a full or half marathon runner. If you have a full marathon number and stop at the half way point, your finishing position in the half-marathon will be recorded, but you will not qualify for a prize.Under no circumstances should a half marathon runner attempt to run the full distance. You will be stopped by course marshals and disqualified.

Please ensure your number is fixed to your FRONT with the four safety pins provided.

Do not drive your car to the start

Return to the campsite to collect your car before moving out onto the spectator routes
ONLY 4 wheel drive cars will be allowed on the spectator routes, this is important, as some off-road driving is necessary.

The spectator routes will be sign-posted.  Each spectator point will be marked ‘Spectator Point 1’ etc.

Please ensure that you park a suitable distance from the road at each spectator point to allow for easy maneuvering of vehicles and continuous flow of traffic.

There is NO ACCESS TO THE MARATHON ROUTE for vehicles.

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 will be airborne until the last person finishes the race in order to monitor the movements of the larger species.

FRIDAY 28TH JUNE
0900 – 1800	Registration and Enquiries	Registration Tent
1800	Official Welcome and Race Briefing	Safaricom Village
1830	Nyama Choma/Pasta Party	Safaricom Village
2100	Bar Closed
SATURDAY 29TH JUNE
0500	Breakfast served in camps	Camps
0530 - 0630	Registration	Registration Tent
0630	Water stations and course marshals assemble
0645	Runners assemble at Start	Start
0700	Start Children’s Fun Run	Start
0715	Start Full and Half Marathon	Start
0800	Finish Children’s Fun Run	Finish Area
0810	Finish of half marathon (continues to 11:00)	Finish Area
0925	Finish of marathon (continues to 14:00)	Finish Area
1230	Prize Giving	Finish Area
1400	“Festival in the Park”	Finish Area
1630	Festival in the Park ends

Refreshments will be available to purchase for all runners and spectators in the finish area.

A Highlands Water stand will be located in the finish area selling water and other drinks.

RULES
Runners will be disqualified for the following:

• Running with the wrong number, or without a number
• Changing numbers with another runner
• Deviating from the route
• Attempting to run a full marathon when only registered for the half marathon

07:00 CHILDREN’S 5KM FUN RUN
07:15 FULL AND HALF MARATHON

10 MINUTES TO WALK TO THE START AND WE REQUIRE EVERYONE THERE 30 MINUTES BEFORE THE START.

WATER
Water Stations are situated every 2.5km along the course. Please ensure you drink enough water and Lucozade. It will be VERY hot so please be careful.

FIRST AID
A member of the Red Cross will be based at each water station to provide basic medical care. A helicopter is on standby to pick up people with serious medical problems.

WILDLIFE
This is a wildlife conservancy. Do not deviate from the route. There are wild animals which could be dangerous.

COURSE
Run on dirt tracks. Some parts will be dusty – these have been watered.

People walking, please keep to the LEFT and allow people RUNNING to pass on the RIGHT.

Bikes will be present on the course – these are there for your safety. They will give way to runners.

SPECTATOR VEHICLES
Some spectator routes cross the marathon route. Please be considerate towards the runners and take note of the marshall’s instructions.

FESTIVAL IN THE PARK
WILL START AT 2PM AFTER PRIZE GIVING AND FINISH AT 4.30PM.

CAMPSITE INFO

Fire

The conservancy is very windy and dusty at this time of the year. CONTAIN ANY FIRES, MONITOR THEM CLOSELY AND NEVER LEAVE THEM UNATTENDED. The organisers reserve the right to put out any fires if they are a potential hazard.

Wildlife

This is a wildlife conservancy. FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY DO NOT WALK BEYOND THE BOUNDARIES OF THE CAMPSITE.

PLEASE BE QUIET TONIGHT IN THE CAMP AS A CONSIDERATION TO ALL THE RUNNERS WHO NEED PLENTY OF REST.

Quiet Campsite

WE ARE RESTRICTED ON SPACE SO WHILST EVERY EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO CREATE A DESIGNATED QUIET AREA WE ASK EVERYONE TO BE CONSIDERATE TOWARDS THEIR NEIGHBOURS.

A ‘Festival in the Park’ will be held at the finish area after the race from 2-4 p.m. Please note there will be no evening event. For safety reasons, people not staying in one of the designated campsites must leave Lewa after the concert.

All the festivities are done during the day.

• Safaricom Full Marathon
• Safaricom Half Marathon
• Safaricom Half Marathon Teams
• Children's Race

2011 Results

• Children 2011
• Full Marathon 2011
• Half Marathon 2011

Each runner will receive a medal and goody bag on finishing.

RACE	POS.	MEN (Ksh)	WOMEN (Ksh)
Full Marathon	1	150,000	150,000
	2	80,000	80,000
	3	60,000	60,000
	4	40,000 + Phone	40,000 + Phone
	5	20,000 + Phone	20,000 + Phone
0ver 40	1	LG Phone	LG Phone
	2	Phone	Phone
Over 50	1	LG Phone	LG Phone
	2	Phone	Phone
Over 60	1	LG Phone	LG Phone
	2	Phone	Phone
Half Marathon Team Event	1	100,000 + Trophy + 10 Mobile Phones LG
	2	80000 + 10 Mobile Phones LG
	3	60000 + 10 Mobile Phones LG
Half Marathon individual placed runners	1	50,000	50,000
	2	25,000	25,000
	3	10,000	10,000
Most money raised		Trophy
Over 40	1	Phone	Phone
	2	Phone	Phone
Over 50	1	Phone	Phone
	2	Phone	Phone
Over 60	1	Phone	Phone
	2	Phone	Phone
Community Team Event	1	30,000/-
	2	20,000/-
	3	10,000/-
	4	5,000/-
	5	2,500/-
Children’s Race	1	Nakumatt voucher 8,000	Nakumatt voucher 8,000
	2	Nakumatt Voucher 7,000	Nakumatt Voucher 7,000
	3	Nakumatt Voucher 6,000	Nakumatt Voucher 6,000
	4	Nakumatt Voucher 5,000	Nakumatt Voucher 5,000
	5	Nakumatt Voucher 4,000	Nakumatt Voucher 4,000
	6	Nakumatt Voucher 3,000	Nakumatt Voucher 3,000
	7	Nakumatt Voucher 2,000	Nakumatt Voucher 2,000
	8	Nakumatt Voucher 1,000	Nakumatt Voucher 1,000
	9	Nakumatt Voucher 500	Nakumatt Voucher 500
	10	Nakumatt Voucher 250	Nakumatt Voucher 250

Coming soon

• Safaricom Marathon 2012 Booklet
• Safaricom Marathon 2011 Booklet
• Safaricom Marathon 2010 Booklet

Safaricom Marathon 2013 Targets To Raise Kshs 60 Million

February 13, 2013… Leading integrated communications provider, Safaricom Limited has today kicked off registration for this year’s Safaricom Marathon scheduled to take place on June 29th 2013 at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Registration for the Marathon now in its 14th year will close on 10th of May with participants taking part in the 21km half marathon, 42km full marathon and 5km races.

This year’s event dubbed “Run for the Wild” is taking place on the back of an alarming dwindling of wildlife numbers in the country, due to runaway poaching activities in national parks across the country. In particular, there has been a marked increase of elephant poaching in the last 24 months which reached a crescendo with the massacre of a family of 12 elephants in a remote part of the Tsavo East National Park early this year.

“Poachers are willing to walk for days in hostile terrain in order to kill elephants for their tusks. I am sharing this story with you to show you how determined these criminals are to get what they want. You and I will therefore have to double our efforts to protect our wild life with as much if not more determination,” said Safaricom CEO, Bob Collymore. 

A breakdown of funds raise last year shows that, education and healthcare projects got Kshs. 5.46 million and 3.78 million respectively whereas a further 35% of the revenue was invested in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy which is home to a variety of large African wildlife to include lions, elephants, rhinoceros, and the Cape buffalo.

“The Safaricom Marathon has earned a reputation for being one of the toughest endurance races in the world – last year attracting some 1,200 runners which included over 35 nationalities. More importantly, the event has also become one of Kenya’s greatest fundraising initiatives,” said Chief Executive Officer of the Tusk Trust, Charlie Mayhew.
Interested participants are advised to get registration forms off the Safaricom Marathon website.
http://www.safaricom.co.ke/safaricommarathon/

Notes to the editors:
About Safaricom Corporate
Safaricom provides a comprehensive range of services under one roof. This includes mobile and fixed voice and data services on a variety of platforms. With annual revenues in excess of Kshs 100 billion, it is Kenya's widest 3G network with a growing fibre optic cable footprint and its most expansive WIMAX presence.
Safaricom pioneered pioneered commercial mobile money transfer globally through M-PESA, the most successful such service anywhere in the world.  Launched in March 2007 as a money transfer service, it now has over 15 million customers and over 37,000 Agent outlets countrywide.

About Safaricom Sports
Safaricom has had a longstanding tradition of sponsoring major sports events in the country.
In 2008, the company offered cash incentives for the Olympics team and the Paralympics teams as motivation for a good performance. The telecoms company was the major sponsor of the 2010 African Athletics Championships, which were the first ever to take place in Kenya.
Safaricom is also a major sponsor of the Sportsman of the Year Award-SOYA which honors excellence in athletics.  The company is also associated with many local races both at the national and community level.

About the Safaricom Marathon Projects
The Lewa Community Development has established six-community forestry programmes, given 15,000 people access to clean water, rehabilitated 65 kilometers of roads and built 4 Government hospitals and 3 clinics in at least 3 counties. 

The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy has supported game scout operations to protect conservancy's 100 plus rhinos. It has provided solar water heaters to senior staff to reduce carbon footprint and provided drugs and equipment needed for resident vet

The Lewa Education Programme supports 10 Primary Schools and 3 Secondary Schools helping over 5,000 children. In addition it has constructed classrooms, fences, libraries, staff houses, and supplied furniture, desks, education materials

Northern Rangelands Trust supports 11 communities with over 50,000 people of diverse ethnicities across northern Kenya. The Mt. Kenya Trust supports the Elephant Corridor Game Guards, as well as the Animal Protection Unit.

Safaricom announces KSh9.7M sponsorship of 2012 Safaricom Marathon

Monday, March 5, 2012: Integrated communications firm Safaricom has today launched the 13th edition of Safaricom Marathon at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.

Organized by Tusk Trust, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Safaricom, the marathon, whose primary objective is fundraising, has evolved over the years to become a fun event drawing increasing numbers of runners and spectators from Kenya and beyond.

Over KSh245 million has been raised through the Safaricom Marathon since its inception twelve years ago. These funds have gone into life changing development initiatives in sectors such as health, education, environment and energy benefitting thousands of locals in the remote Samburu region.

"Funds from the Safaricom Marathon have stimulated and provided substantial financial assistance to many beneficiaries throughout Kenya, with a primary focus on Northern Kenya. The impact has been great and the benefits have been evident," said Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore.

Among the other beneficiaries of the Safaricom Marathon are Northern Rangelands Trust, Mount Kenya Trust, Lewa Communities Development Programme, Ngare Ndare Forest Trust, Kenya Wide Projects and the Kenya Red Cross.

"The Safaricom Marathon is about transforming lives and making a difference. Safaricom is proud to be a part of this event as it fits well with our brand promise of caring for and supporting our communities. It is about making a difference in the world around us'," added Mr. Collymore.

Regarded as one of the toughest marathons in the world, the Safaricom Marathon seeks to use Kenya's favourite sport, athletics, as a fundraising tool towards conservation efforts in the Lewa Conservancy while at the same time, funding development projects in the area.

In the last edition, over 1000 participants drawn from 28 different nations across the globe took part, underscoring the magnitude of the annual event now in its 13th year. Top names on the world athletics stage, among them Paul Tergat and Catherine Ndereba, have participated in previous Safaricom Marathons and this year will be no exception. During the event this year, various athletes will take part in the half marathon (21Km) and the full marathon (42Km). The full marathon attracts individual participation whereas the half marathon is a team event consisting of 5 to 10 runners.

ENDS Notes to the Editor Safaricom provides a comprehensive range of services under one roof. This includes mobile and fixed voice and data services on a variety of platforms.

It is Kenya's widest 3G network with a growing fibre optic cable footprint and its most expansive WIMAX presence.

Safaricom also pioneered commercial mobile money transfer globally through M-PESA, the most successful such service anywhere in the world. Safaricom's distribution network consists of over 35 retail shops and over 35,000 agent outlets countrywide.

For further information please contact:
Victoria Kaigai Email vkaigai@safaricom.co.ke,
Chris Muthama Email cmuthama@safaricom.co.ke