Samson Lemayan and Mercy Kwambai are the winners of the 25th edition of Lewa Safari Marathon held at the Lewa Conservancy in Meru County on Saturday.
Lemayan, 31, from Maralal clocked 2:28:35 to win the cutthroat men’s category as Kwambai successfully defended the women’s trophy in 2:47:17.
Ahead of the showpieces, both champions furnished their tactics on the rugged terrains of Iten before gauging their prowess in China last month where Lemayan emerged victorious as Kwambai finished a distant seventh.
“It feels good to finally register victory in Lewa. I was here in 2018 where I took part in a half marathon but things did not go my way,” Lemayan, a Samburu based Game Ranger, told Standard Sports.
“When I came to this race, I was not sure of victory, this is because I have struggled with some nagging injury this season,” the father of one highlighted.
Commenting on the course, Lemayan stated that the terrain was quite rough, hilly and this was worsened with the humid morning weather.
“The heat was uncomfortable, but I trudged on. I’m happy to dedicate this medal won to my wife and son,” said Lemayan who plans to take a rest before he resumes international races in October.
On the other hand, Kwambai, 36, was happy to retain her title she lifted in 2023 which she was unable to defend last year due to Gen Z protests. In 2022, she finished second in the half marathon in Lewa.
“I had no tactics in today’s race, I just trained hard and went for the crown. The course was hard, the heat was unbearable. I will return to my base in Iten to continue with training as I wait for directives from my manager,” Kwambai said.
Asked what she is going to do with the race proceeds, the mother of two stated: “I will use the prize money to cater for my family’s basic needs. Generally, I think Lewa is a good marathon, which promotes healthy foundations that are changing lives within our communities, apart from its various conservation efforts.”
This year’s Lewa Safari Marathon was run under the theme Connecting Generations Through 25 Years of Conservation’.
“The Lewa Safari Marathon embodies the true spirit of Safaricom’s purpose of transforming lives by driving a meaningful impact to the community. As one of the key partners, we are proud of the impact this marathon has had over the past 25 years, a journey we have walked together, especially as we also celebrate our silver jubilee this year.
“We remain dedicated to this initiative as a powerful platform that unites communities, protects our wildlife and inspires a healthier, more inclusive future for all,” Peter Ndegwa, Safaricom PLC CEO, said.
This year, the race organisers are aiming to raise USD1 million (Sh140 million) to be used for wildlife conservation efforts.
This year’s event was not just a race, it was a celebration of 25 years of impact, unity, and purpose in conservation efforts across Kenya,” said Mike Watson, CEO of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
Over the years, this unique marathon has raised over Sh 850 million to fund wildlife conservation and community development in Kenya. Over Sh 400 million has been invested in the direct protection of endangered species, other wildlife, and their habitats.