Imagine the Masai Mara — in early light — with some 600 runners poised at the ready. The course has been cleared for the early morning start. The starting pistol fires and The Kenya Airways Masai Mara Marathon — the first of its kind in Kenya — is ready to go.
Organized by the Masai Mara Marathon Ltd and the Rotary Club of Nairobi, Kenya Airways and Fairmont Hotels were the first to join in sponsoring this year’s event.
The Masai Mara National Reserve is a legend in its own right; it’s not only the home of the famous “Big Five” but also the 7th new Wonder Of The World – the great annual wildebeest migration. The first inaugural Masai Mara Marathon was held in November 2009 with a total of 352 participants registering.
The first inaugural Masai Mara Marathon was held in November 2009 with a total of 352 participants registering; 214 took part in the 5km race while 138 participated in the 21km.
The highlight of the Masai Mara Marathon has been its ability to bring together legendary Olympian runners through the National Association of Kenya Olympians (NAKO), to mentor upcoming athletes. This is a partnership project between the Kenya Olympians and the organizers aimed at benefitting the community.
The Masai Mara Marathon will combine the allure of the Masai Mara and the fame of Kenya’s running tradition and spirit to attract local and international participants.
- Information for Runners
- Information for Spectators
- Travel & Accommodation
- The Inaugural Marathon 2009
Why Masai Marathon?
It is a charity event organized to raise funds for:
- Literacy – upgrading facilities to mitigate environmental hazards.
- Health, Water and Sanitation – try to avail clean drinking water. To be a catalyst to raise funds to address health and water and Sanitation problems which are common in the area.
The Masai Mara Marathon was created with the main objective of raising funds that would be focused on a few significant activities for the benefit of the community and the environment.
Conservation
To create a forum through which funds can be raised for the conservation of the Mara ecosystem. Funds and donations raised will be targeted at conservation efforts within the Olchorro Oirwa conservancy. The climate change challenges, the drying rivers, the famine and hunger and education are all included in the theme of this event.
Support for our Kenyan Olympians
Kenyan sportsmen and women, performing in various sporting events in the world, have brought honor and glory to Kenya and have inspired others. However, many find it difficult to recoup from the shock of their reduced celebrity status and high incomes. These local heros who were used to big money and easy lifestyles, suffer hugely due to the lack of financial management skills which result in the loss of their wealth and diminished lifestyle.
Our aim is to create continuity of purpose for our Olympian legends by creating a mentorship forum where they can put their skills to good use and raise the next generation of Olympians in the communities where they live.
Water, Health and Sanitation for Communities
The communities living in the Ecosystem have serious issues to do with water, sanitation, healthcare, food security and education.
Over the next two years, our main project focus will be on the plight of the Girl child in the Olchorro Oirua Conservancy of the Mara where the run will take place. Here many young girls have to walk several kilometers to get to school and some of them are attacked by wild animals. Others are turned into herders by their parents. We want to provide the basic needs to enhance the education of the girl child and bring an end to their plight.
A portion of the proceeds are also pledged to fund Rotary projects in other areas of Kenya where Rotary has been operating since its founding in 1930.
Sports Tourism Catalyst
The Kenya Tourism board is focusing on promoting Kenya as a sports-tourism destination. The Masai Mara Marathon will combine the allure of the Masai Mara and the fame of Kenya’s running tradition and spirit to attract local and international participants.
Our partnership with the Rotary Club of Nairobi
The
directors of the Masai Mara Marathon Ltd. are comprised of three past presidents of the Rotary Club of Nairobi who are all committed to the development of sport and the development of community through sport. The Rotary Club of Nairobi’s main responsibility is to reach out to its global network of 1,2000,000 members to promote the event as well as being tasked with the administration and project oversight. The Masai Mara Marathon team will be primarily responsible for the technical and publicity aspects of the event.
A portion of the proceeds are pledged to fund Rotary projects in Kenya where Rotary has been operating since its founding in 1930.
