On 28th June 2025, runners from across the world gathered on the vast plains of northern Kenya to take part in one of Africa’s most iconic endurance events: the 25th TUSK Lewa Safaricom Marathon, held in the heart of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Borana’s neighbour to the East.
With wildlife lining the course, Mount Kenya towering in the distance, and the spirit of conservation at its core, the event offered participants more than just a race; it offered purpose.
If you’re considering taking part in 2026, there is no better place to base yourself than Lengishu. Situated just next door in Borana Conservancy, Lengishu offers exclusive access to one of Kenya’s most spectacular landscapes and a front-row seat to the region’s powerful conservation story.
A Marathon with Meaning
The TUSK Lewa Safaricom Marathon is not your typical running race. It’s a trail run through wild, untamed terrain, past herds of zebra, giraffe, and possibly even elephant or rhino, offering an experience that is as challenging as it is unforgettable.
More importantly, the event raises vital funds for Tusk Trust, supporting conservation efforts, education, and community development across Kenya. In 2025, the marathon helped fund everything from anti-poaching teams to classroom renovations, directly benefiting the wildlife and people who call this region home.
The Lewa–Borana Landscape
The TUSK Marathon takes place in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, which together with Borana Conservancy forms one of Africa’s most successful models for collaborative conservation. With no fences between them, these two protected areas make up a continuous landscape of over 93,000 acres, where wildlife roam freely and local communities are actively involved in conservation. Since the marathon began, the Lewa-Borana landscape has recorded more than 200 rhino births and currently secures 14 percent of Kenya’s total rhino population each year.
Borana, where Lengishu is located, plays a critical role in this partnership. It is home to a growing population of both black and white rhino, protected by dedicated teams and supported by the very funds raised during the marathon.
By choosing to stay on Borana, you’re not just close to the race, you’re embedded in the story it supports.
Why Lengishu is the Perfect Base for the TUSK Marathon
After a day of running across Kenya’s wild highlands, returning to Lengishu offers the ideal blend of comfort, privacy, and purpose.
- Proximity: Lengishu is just a short drive from the Lewa Marathon start line, close enough for convenience, yet set apart in serene seclusion.
- Space to Recover: Relax with a massage, take a dip in the infinity pool, or enjoy a sundowner overlooking the valley. With six spacious suites and a full team to look after you, Lengishu is the perfect post-race retreat.
- Sustainable Luxury: Built entirely from local materials and powered by renewable energy, Lengishu reflects the same conservation values that the TUSK Marathon champions.
- Tailored Hospitality: Whether it’s a pre-race pasta dinner, post-run safari, or yoga on the terrace, Lengishu’s team ensures every detail of your stay supports both performance and relaxation.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The TUSK Marathon is more than a race. It’s a way to run with purpose, to contribute to something bigger, and to experience Kenya in its most raw and beautiful form.
Now is the time to start planning your participation in the 2026 TUSK Marathon and to make Lengishu your home.
