Lemanyan defends Lewa Marathon race

Lemanyan cloked 2:27:04 to floor Victor Miano (2:28:08) and Nehemia Kimaru (2:32:38) who settled in the second and third positions in that order.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Lemanyan who is also a Kenya wildlife Ranger hailing from Maralal in Samburu County said proper preparations and resilience is what fuelled her quest to win.

“It feels great to retain the title. The course favoured me because the weather was the same as last season. I had adequate preparations ahead of this race and this is the reason I was able to clinch victory with less struggle,”

The 32-year on sensation who trains in Iten however, rued a nagging injury that has put him down this season, but he is hopeful that he will be as fit as a fiddle in coming weeks.

“This is my first race this year, I feel proud to win it. I’m now hopeful to secure more prestigious races abroad, courtesy of my manager in coming months,” noted Lemayan who dedicated his victory to his family, friends and fans who thronged the course on Saturday to watch him do his thing in Lewa.

In the women’s 42km race, 32-year-old Kenya Wildlife Service officer Lydia Simiyu, from Kitale in Trans Nzoia County, claimed victory after clocking 2:50:39. Lydia Nyansikera finished second in 2:56:41, while Gladys Otero came third in 3:07:40.

“This is my first time participating in the Lewa Safari Marathon, and winning it is a major milestone in my athletics career. It is one of the races I have always wanted to compete in because of its impact on conservation and the surrounding communities, as well as its reputation as one of the toughest marathon courses. I would like to thank the organisers and sponsors, including Safaricom, for making this event such a success,” said Simiyu.

The 21km half marathon titles were won by Michael Kamau and Mercy Nelima, who crossed the finish line in 1:06:36 and 1:19:02, respectively. Justine Lelintan and Doreen Kendi finished second after posting 1:07:59 and 1:23:09, while Simon Saidimu and Caroline Waithira secured third place in 1:08:30 and 1:26:12, respectively.

The Executive 10km category was won by Wilson Moyer and Jessica Baillie in the men’s and women's categories, respectively.

Winners of both the 42km and 21km races each received KES 150,000. First runners-up took home KES 80,000, while second runners-up received KES 60,000 each.

“Twenty-six years of supporting this marathon reflect our long-standing commitment to creating meaningful and lasting impact in communities, extending far beyond wildlife conservation. I would like to thank our fellow sponsors, partners, participants and everyone who contributed to the success of this year's event. 

"We remain committed to supporting this noble cause and ensuring it continues to deliver even greater impact in the years ahead,” said Michael Joseph, M-PESA Foundation Trustee.

This year’s marathon attracted more than 1,400 participants from Kenya and around the world.

“Today, we celebrate not only the achievements of those who crossed the finish line, but also the lasting impact this event continues to make through conservation, education, healthcare and sustainable livelihoods. Experiencing my first Lewa Safari Marathon as CEO has been both inspiring and humbling. Together, we are helping secure a future where wildlife, its habitats and neighbouring communities can thrive side by side for generations to come.” Said Rob Macaire, CEO, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.

Race organisers representatives Fawzia Ali (Chief Consumer Business Officer at Safaricom), Charley Mayhew (Tusk Trust Chief Executive Officer) and Rob Macaire (Lewa Wildlife Conservancy) hailed the duo for their relentless efforts to emerge victors in the cutthroat contests that attracted over 1300 participants from 33 countries across the globe.

 “Twenty-six years of our support for this marathon reflect a long-standing  commitment to creating meaningful and lasting impact in communities, extending far beyond wildlife conservation,” Ali said.

"I would like to thank our fellow sponsors, partners, participants, and everyone who contributed to the success of this year’s event.

 “Together, we have shown the power of collective action in driving positive change. We remain committed to supporting this noble cause and ensuring it continues to deliver even greater impact in the years to come,” Ali added.

On his part, Mayhew hailed the marathon as a fantastic race that has been putting Kenya on the global map in terms of tourism

Macaire was glad with the turn out in Lewa, he said the determined athletes made the aura enjoyable and the conservancy environs scintillating.

The event was sponsored by Safaricom and Huawei, alongside other partners including Amref Health Africa, Kenya Red Cross and, Atlas Towers, Safari Link, ICEA Lions, Tropical Heat.