Safaricom Marathon 2017
The 17th annual Safaricom Marathon and Half Marathon takes place at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya on Saturday, June 24th, 2017.
Tusk’s Safaricom Marathon and Half Marathon allow participants from all over the globe to compete in an internationally acclaimed event whilst running through one of Africa’s most breathtaking wildlife conservancies.
Although regarded as one of the toughest marathons in the world, runners of all abilities take part — from walkers and amateurs to professionals like Paul Tergat, the Kenyan former world record holder.
As a result, the event has grown to become one of the country’s major sporting events and is regarded by Runner’s World as one of the world’s top ten “must do” marathons.
Distance
There are three race categories; The Full Marathon, Half Marathon and Children’s 5km Race. The course is set on dirt roads that take the runners on a 13 mile route through the conservancy — across savannah plains, along river banks and through acacia woodland. Half Marathon runners complete one loop of the course, Full Marathon runners, two.
Age Limit
You must be 18 or older to enter the Full or Half Marathon. There are two age categories for the Children’s 5km Race – 10 to 13 and 14 to 17 (inclusive).
Bib & Chip Timing
Each runner will be given their bib upon arrival at Lewa. Your bib number and color determines whether you are a full or half marathon runner as well as whether you are male or female.
Please ensure your number is fixed to your FRONT of your shirt with the four safety pins provided. Please complete the medical/contact information on the back of your running number, as this will help the organisers in the event of an emergency.
Your bib is fitted with a chip timing device which will record your race time when you cross the mat at the finish line. Your chip is programmed to your running number and entry information.
Please be sure not to damage the chip when you fasten your running number to your shirt.
Wildlife Safety
The race is run on a game reserve and animals will be seen during the race. When running stay on the designated course and only use the official toilets if required. The course will be patrolled at all times and there will be armed rangers located around the course. A helicopter and Supercub light aircraft monitor the movements of the large species during the race.
Medical Support
Water stations and first aid points are situated every 2.5km around the course. Each water station is equipped with basic first aid to help with minor medical complaints such as blisters. There will be a member of the red cross based at each water station.
A helicopter is on standby to collect any runner who needs urgent medical attention and to take them to the AMREF tent at the finish. Should anyone require further medical treatment, fully equipped planes are on standby evacuation to Nairobi.
There is a Recovery Tent located at the finish for basic medical treatment (and massage) which is available for all runners. The recovery tent is manned by doctors, medics and physiotherapists
There will be a Red Cross ambulance situated in the finish area as well as three ambulances around the course.
An annual subscription to AMREF Maisha Bronze scheme is included automatically in your registration fee. This subscription allows up to two air evacuations within Kenya annually in case of a medical emergency. Please note this is NOT medical insurance and will only cover the cost of evacuation by air ambulance. All runners are required to have full medical insurance. The event will not be liable for any medical costs beyond air evacuation.
Water Stations
There will be frequent water stations on your race route (every 2.5km). An isotonic drink, as well as oranges and bananas will be provided at every water station for full and half marathon runners as well as at the finish.
There will be misting stations situated at water stations 4, 5 and 9.
Time Limit
In the interests of safety, we impose a time limit for those attempting the full marathon. Based on an expected finishing time of seven hours, we do not allow anyone to start the second lap unless they have completed the first 20km in under 3hrs 20mins. We also reserve the right to pull runners off of the course on the second lap at the Race Referee’s discretion.
Prizes
Upon completion of the race, each runner is presented with a medal and goody bag. Prizes for race and age group categories are awarded at a prize giving ceremony at 12.30pm.
Entrance Fee
The entry fee for the Full and Half Marathon is $250. Your place will only be reserved once full entry fee payment has been received.
In addition, there is a minimum fundraising requirement of $1,500 per person due before race day.
The entry fee for the Kids 5km Race is $150.
There is no fundraising requirement for children, although we encourage everyone to do what they can to raise funds and awareness for the cause.
