If you would like to take part in the world's only wilderness marathon- make plans to come to Kenya for the Lewa Marathon on June 28th, 2003. Described by Runners World Magazine as 'One of the 10 races of your life' this remarkable race sees professional and amateur runners from all over the world running among herds of wild game to raise money for conservation.

Whether you are a professional runner, a fitness fanatic, or just someone looking for adventure- the Lewa Marathon is not to be missed. No other race in the world offers the opportunity to run through the African wilderness- as rhino, giraffe and elephant watch from the side of the track. Held in the foothills of Mt Kenya- the combination of 6,000ft altitude and the African sun makes this a real endurance race, which Runners World Magazine called 'One of the top 10 endurance marathons in the world'. The race is sponsored by Kenya's leading mobile telephone network Safaricom.

Runners can choose from either full or half marathons. For the first time this year there will also be a 5km Fun Run open to children between the ages 10-15 years. The event will be limited to 100 entries and priority will be given to those children whose parents are running in the main event. Both races start at 7am. There are prizes for the marathon event and every runner receives a medal and goody bag. This is truly an athletic event that's different. Last year's race start was delayed due to a pride of lions asleep on the track. The 2002 event attracted 450 entrants from 18 different countries. This well organized and managed event offers accommodation and travel packages for visiting runners. There is a range of accommodation, with many runners choosing to stay in one of the large campsites, where a lively mix of runners, spectators and local Il Ngwesi and Samburu tribesmen ensure plenty of pre and post race revelry.

There are also full facilities, first aid and wildlife rangers to ensure that your "close encounters" with the game are not too close. The marathon is run on dirt roads, over two 21km loops (one loop for the half-marathon). The race is watched over by an experienced team of armed rangers and a helicopter and spotter plane are in the air throughout. Water stations and first aid points are situated every 2.5km along the course and emergency medical back up is provided by AMREF the famous flying doctors. For serious athletes. Lewa also offers the opportunity to run with some of Kenya's world famous long distance runners - many of whom join the race each year.

This is also an important fundraiser, supporting the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, an important conservation area comprising 20,000 hectares. Lewa has pioneered the establishment of sanctuaries as a strategy for black rhino conservation in Kenya, and also provides an important extent of habitat for a number of endangered and threatened species including Grevy's zebra, African elephant and Sitatunga.

Lewa is at the forefront of a move to encourage community benefit from wildlife conservation, aiming to turn the human-wildlife conflict into a mutually beneficial partnership. Lewa directly supports community conservation and education initiatives within the surrounding 100,000 acres.

If you're interested in participating the in Safaricom marathon go to www.lewa.com for more information. For applicant forms go to http://www.lewa.org/safaricom-marathon.htm.

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Media Contact: Sarah Fazendin +1 763-212-4247 sarah@magicalkenya.com