Safaricom is bringing together runners, corporates and conservation supporters to raise funds that support wildlife protection and community development initiatives in Kenya.
Safaricom is bringing together runners, corporates and conservation supporters to raise funds that support wildlife protection and community development initiatives in Kenya.
The third edition of the Karura Run will take place on 13 June at Karura Forest, bringing together more than 400 participants for a day focused on fitness, fundraising and impact.
Organised by Safaricom in partnership with Tusk, the annual event serves as a lead-up to the Lewa Safari Marathon and plays an important role in generating support for conservation and community development programmes linked to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
Participants will compete across four race categories, including a 21km half marathon, 15km race, 10km race and a 5km walk, creating opportunities for runners and fitness enthusiasts of all experience levels to take part.
Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said the initiative demonstrates how sport can help create meaningful change beyond the finish line.
“Through our long-standing support of the Lewa Safari Marathon, we have witnessed firsthand how sport can transform lives by unlocking access to education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods for communities around Lewa. This shared impact continues to inspire us to go even further through initiatives like the Karura Run.”
A key feature of the event is the participation of the Lions of Lewa, a team of Safaricom employees who actively raise funds for conservation and community development projects while taking part in the Lewa Safari Marathon. Since 2019, the group has consistently ranked among the event’s top fundraisers, raising more than KES 1.2 million annually.
Earlier this year, Safaricom reaffirmed its long-standing support for the Lewa Safari Marathon by committing KES 10 million towards the 2026 event. The partnership spans more than two decades and reflects a shared commitment to protecting wildlife while improving opportunities for surrounding communities.
The Lewa Safari Marathon has become one of Africa’s most successful conservation fundraising events. Since its inception, the marathon has raised more than KES 850 million to support conservation and community development programmes across Kenya.
More than KES 400 million of this funding has been directed towards protecting endangered species, conserving wildlife habitats and preserving ecosystems that support biodiversity across the region.
The remaining funds have helped strengthen education, healthcare, water access and livelihood initiatives in communities surrounding the conservancy, demonstrating the close connection between conservation and sustainable development.
The 2026 Lewa Safari Marathon will take place on 27 June and is expected to attract more than 1,500 participants from Kenya and around the world, continuing a legacy of using sport as a platform for environmental protection and community impact.
