Sport-in-conservation celebrates 25 years

From the newsletter

The Lewa Safari Marathon is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, having raised $9 million since 2000 to support wildlife conservation and community development projects in Kenya. With Safaricom and Huawei as corporate sponsors, this year’s event is set to achieve record-breaking contributions and global participation.

• In 2016, activists used the women's Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Cameroon to campaign for the protection of the continent's forests and animal species in a campaign called Sports for Nature.

• In 2018, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park authorities in South Africa organised the iSimangaliso and Dukuduku tournament to teach locals about the importance of sustainability and environmental protection.

More details

• A press release from the partners of the Lewa Safari Marathon has announced that the marathon will celebrate its 25th anniversary on June 28, 2025. Organised by the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Tusk, the marathon has raised $9 million since its inception in 2000 to support wildlife conservation and community development in Kenya. Lead sponsors Safaricom and Huawei have been instrumental in this success, with over 25,000 runners participating from more than 40 countries.

• “For 25 years, we have supported the Lewa Marathon, a cause that extends beyond conserving the Lewa Conservancy to uplifting the surrounding communities, aligning perfectly with our purpose of transforming lives. As both the marathon and Safaricom celebrate 25 years in 2025, we are proud to commit $77,000 to this year’s edition. Additionally, we will host the Safaricom Karura Mini Run in May, further supporting the Lewa Marathon,” said Peter Ndegwa, Safaricom’s CEO.

• Huawei’s CEO, Gao Fei, expressed pride in Huawei’s 17-year partnership with the marathon, noting that their contributions have helped protect endangered species such as the mountain bongo, Grevy’s zebra, and black rhino. Tusk’s Chief Executive, Nick Bubb, underscored the marathon’s significance, describing it as a movement that unites people globally for a shared purpose.

• The funds raised have provided critical support for conservation projects and improved the livelihoods of rural Kenyan communities through education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. These projects include six hospitals and clinics that serve around 40,000 people annually. Educational bursaries and infrastructure improvements have benefitted over 10,000 students, while 724 women have achieved economic independence through beekeeping and beadwork initiatives supported by race funding.

• Mike Watson, CEO of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, highlighted the deep connection between conservation and community development. Lewa, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Man & Biosphere Reserve, has experienced tremendous growth in wildlife populations, biodiversity, and community programmes, reinforcing the essential role of conservation in securing sustainable livelihoods.

Our take

• The Lewa Safari Marathon exemplifies a successful community engagement strategy for conservation in Africa. It does so by involving local communities in fundraising efforts and allocating a portion of the raised funds to support them.

• By linking conservation initiatives with local development, the marathon directly benefits communities surrounding the Lewa Conservancy. This strategy promotes mutual support, ensuring the protection of wildlife while enhancing livelihoods through improved healthcare, education, and empowerment.

• The funds raised have not only helped preserve endangered species but have also empowered women and provided healthcare to thousands, demonstrating a holistic conservation model that benefits both people and wildlife.