The Lewa Safari Marathon 2025 which took place yesterday brought together over 1,400 runners from within Kenya and abroad, with all of them looking forward to a satisfactory albeit grueling race. The marathon day is usually a day of fun for everyone, competition, community engagement and wildlife conservation.
36 year old Mercy Kwambai carried the day as she successfully defended her women’s 42km title, clocking a timing of 2.47.17. The mum of two described the course as hot and hilly, though her training helped her get through it to clinch the win. She first started participation in the race in 2022 where she came second in the 21km half marathon and here she is!
“It is exciting to defend my title for the second year. The course was quite hot and tough, with some challenging hilly terrain, but thanks to good preparation and training, I managed to win the race,” Mercy Kwambai.
Evaline Lagat and Monica Watetu came in second and third respectively, clocking times of 3:02:31 and 3:20:21.
In the men’s full marathon, (42km), Maralal resident Samson Lemayan took the title after crossing the finish line first with a 2.28.35 timeline. He first started participating in the marathons I 2018 and despite not performing too well then, he has grown better over the years to a point of taking home the title.
“The first time I participated in this event was in 2018. I didn’t perform well then, but today I’m glad to have emerged as the overall winner. It’s really exciting to see how the marathon has grown and the impact it is creating in the community,” said Lemayan.
The second and third place in the men’s race went to John Musee at a 2:29:18 timeline and Joseph Kariuki at 2:29:36.
Michael Kamau took the crown in the 21km half marathon in 1.06.37 hours, while Mary Waithera won the women’s category of the same with 1.18.27. Pauline Ngigi and Susan Wanjiru followed her in second and third place, clocking 1:28:21 and 1:29:04.
In the 10km corporate race, Reuben Ng’ang’a and Sara Van Der Laan take top spots in the men’s and women’s categories.
Read also – Lewa Safari Marathon 2025 Champions Conservation and Communities
The reward for both the 42km and 21km races was Ksh 150,000/- while second-place finishers received Ksh 80,000 each. Third-place runners took home Ksh.60,000. The Lewa Safari Marathon is not only of benefit to the wildlife and communities, but for individuals as well.
“Thank you to all the winners and participants of this year’s Lewa Safari Marathon. As one of the key partners, we are proud of the impact the marathon has made over the past 25 years.” Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa.
The marathon, backed by Safaricom and Huawei as the major partners continues to support conservation efforts and community uplifting. Since inception 25 years ago, it has raised USD million, all of which goes towards protecting wildlife and supporting surrounding communities.
“Today’s Lewa Safari Marathon participants have seized the opportunity to challenge themselves and connect with nature. They have also made a positive impact on the communities and wildlife of northern Kenya and beyond.” – Mike Watson, CEO of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
Other 2025 sponsors included Access Bank, ICEA Lion, Highlands, AMREF, Elewana, Safarilink, GardaWorld, Tropical Heat, and African Originals.
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