The Masai Mara Marathon: Bigger and Better

The Masai Mara Marathon is here once again, and this time it is going to be bigger and better.  It will be happening on the 20th August 2016 at the Lemek Conservancy.

This years’ marathon is not only going to be about running but will also be adventurous. No one should dare miss out on this. It is about running to educate, to conserve, to address issues of water, health and sanitation and to act as a catalyst in the tourism sector. This is the time to register as there are only a few days remaining to the due date.

The Masai Mara Marathon has had a great impact in the education sector since it started A number of empowerment projects including construction of a state-of-the-art dormitory for Aitong primary school. Namunyak Girls Secondary School is an ongoing project of the marathon. Provision of education will curb the challenges that girls face where they have to walk long distances in an area with dangerous marauding wild animals to school, and their hopes for a better future will be kept alive. Additionally, the raised funds will be used in coming up with scholarships for the girls.

Conservation of the Mara ecosystem is also another cause for the Masai Mara Marathon. This is a forum through which funds will be raised for the conservation of the Mara ecosystem. Funds and donations raised will support conservation efforts within the olchorro oirwa conservancy.

The Mara ecosystem is staring at the dangers of climate change, as evidenced by the drying of rivers in the ecosystem, drought and hunger that have sunk the communities around into the deeper abyss of poverty.  The proceeds will also bolster conservation efforts aimed at saving endangered species such as lions, white rhinos, leopards, elephants and cheetahs. We shall also support the construction of an animal.

Water, Health and sanitation are key in the survival of human beings. The communities living in the ecosystem are grappling with countless challenges ranging from severe water shortage, sanitation, healthcare, food security and education challenges. To address the challenges of water borne diseases that the communities around continue to face such as dysentery, funds from the Masa Mara Marathon will be used to construct community toilets and showering facilities for their use. Boreholes will also be dug to provide clean water for the communities.

The Masai Mara Marathon aims to support the Tourism sector in the country, and for that reason, it will combine the allure of the Masai Mara and the fame of Kenya’s’ running tradition and spirit to attract local and international participants, thus acting as a sports tourism catalyst.