Lemayan, Kwambai reign at Lewa Safari Marathon

Samson Lemayan who hails from Maralal in Samburu County posted time of 2:28:35 to cross the finish line to win Lewa Safari Marathon as John Musee and Joseph Kariuki managed second and third positions respectively.

Mercy Kwambai reigned the full marathon with a time of 2:47:17 beating Evaline Lagat and Monica Watetu who settled for the second and third positions having successfully defended her title that she won in 2023.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Lemayan was over the moon as he said determination and focus is what motivated his win.

“I didn’t expect to win due to enough time in training. I picked an injury last year which interfered with my training schedule.

“The course wasn’t easy but I pushed and managed to win. I am a ranger in Samburu National Reserve so winning in Lewa Safari encourages other rangers across the country to take part in sports more so Athletics. The initiative of bettering the community living around the Lewa Conservancy is a great one and as a Ranger I feel good to support it”

In her part, the 36year old Kwambai said good preparation and focus on defending her title is what pushed her to the finish.

“I am so happy having defended my title and I can say it’s due to hard work and proper training. I took part in Xiamen Marathon in China early this year where I managed to finish in seventh position and I used it to prepare for the Lewa.

“This is the third time I I’m taking part in this Marathon after making my debut in 2022 in half marathon before transiting to full marathon in 2023 and 2025 where I won. I dedicate this win to my two lovely kids.

In men half marathon Michael Kamau led Justin Lelitan and Simon Saidimu to sweep the podium with a time of 1:06:37, 1:07:48 and 1:08:06 in that order.

In women’s category, Mary Waithere posted 1:18:27 time to win the race ahead of Pauline Ngigi (1:28:21) and Susan Wanjiru (1:29:04) who settled in second and third positions respectively       

Safaricom Chief Executive Officer Peter Ndegwa has hailed the partnership between the communication giants and Lewa Conservancy in helping in conservation of the wildlife and community living within the environs of Lewa.

“I am very delighted to have attended this marathon today. It’s my third year participating in the 10km race. The partnership between Safaricom and Lewa Conservancy has created a good environment for wildlife as well as the community. We will continue with this initiative as a company.”

Lewa Conservancy community development manager John Kinoti underscored the importance of the partnership with all stakeholders noting that is has positively impacted the conservancy aspect of it.

“The marathon lived to its expectations as more than 1500 athletes graced the event and all the fund drive from this year’s occasion will continue to bring more impact to conservation and the community living around.

“For quite some time there have been conflicts between animals and the community living around but through the marathon these issues have been addressed and they carry on their daily activities without fear of been invaded.”

42 Km winners in both gender won KSh.150,000 as first runners up pocketed KSh.80,000 while second runners-up went home with Sh.60,000.