All set for 2023 Lewa Safari Marathon

The 2023 Lewa Safari Marathon powered by Safaricom and Huawei will go down this Saturday at the Lewa Conservancy in Isiolo County.

This year’s edition has drawn a total of 1,200 participants in the 42km, 21km, 10km and 5km races.

Six-time champion Frida Lodepa is expected to take another shot at glory this weekend having embarked on intense training from January at her camp in Iten.

"I love Lewa because of its hot climate, which works to my favour during the race and it's also an enjoyable experience running alongside the wildlife. I have been training rigorously since January, consistently covering 20kms in the morning and 10kms in the evening.

“On Saturdays, I push myself further, covering 40-45kms in the morning. Despite the unpredictability inherent in athletics, my determination to secure my seventh consecutive title remains unwavering, following my victory in last year's marathon,” Lodepa said.

Now in its 24th year, the Lewa Safari Marathon is one of the world’s most breathtaking races, notorious for its challenging, yet captivating terrain and incredible wildlife experiences.

Since its inception in 2000, the race has raised over $8 million in support of conservation and community initiatives throughout Kenya. Nearly $4 million has been invested in the direct protection of endangered species, other wildlife and their habitats.