It's all systems set for 2026 Lewa Safari Marathon

Lemayan,32, is banking on proper training to defend the men’s full marathon crown after ruling last year’s edition with a time of 2:28:35 ahead of John Musee (2:29:18) and Joseph Kariuki (2:29:36).

“I’ve done everything right and now is time to see what my body has. The field will be strong but I believe in myself,” said Lemayan, who hails from Maralal, Samburu and trains in Iten.

In the women’s contest, 2012 champion Gladys Otero has returned to the road again and is expecting to capitalise on the absence of last year’s winner Mercy Kwambai, who has sat out this year’s edition.

In 2025, Kwambai won the women’s title with a time of 2:47:17, ahead of Evaline Lagat (3:02:32) and Monica Watetu (3:20:21).

In the men’s half-marathon, Michael Kirwa is also aiming to defend his title.

More than 25,000 runners from over 40 countries have taken part over the years, including Kenyan former marathon world record holders Eliud Kipchoge, Paul Tergat, and Catherine Ndereba.

The Lewa Safari Marathon is recognized by the Runner's World as one of the world’s top ten amateur races.

The event aims to raise Ksh15 million to support the conservation efforts and other human-interest causes has attracted over 1300 runners from Kenya and far beyond the borders.

“Running marathon is an individual event and I believe this time round people who will be taking part will enjoy most. We have a tight security within the conservancy to ensure the safety of the athletes. There is incredible buzz in the air.

"There is total security in the wild. So, I urge all participants to go for the jugular,” said Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Chief Executive Officer, Rob Macaire.

“We have been preparing extensively for this race in the last three months- clearance of the course, the measurements which are complete and putting up a well-oiled team on the ground for race support.”

Macaire has also hailed the healthcare, sustainable agriculture, environmental and wildlife conservation programs that are being funded by the ace proceeds.

“Indeed, we are excited to see runners arrive in their droves in Lewa this week, their participation is not only key to communities around the conservancy, but it also puts Kenya on the global map.”

On the education front, the proceeds have been invested heavily in digital literacy aids, providing pupils in Northern Kenya with laptops, eBooks, and interactive LED screens as blackboards.

A key highlight is teaching children coding in an easy-to-understand manner showcasing the success the proposed Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) can have on children if implemented well.

“The marathon proceeds have been used to support 28 schools, through building of classes, dormitories, purchase of digital devices, employing teachers, harvesting water and offering scholarships to pupils and students since the year 2000.”