Our second annual Half Marathon ‘Running for Lions’ took place on the 2nd of May in Westgate Community Conservancy. Sponsored by Westgate Conservancy, Sasaab Lodge, Ewaso Lions and new sponsors, Carter Safaris, the event was bigger and better than last year’s run. We first held a “Totos or Children’s Race” on May 1st at the Sasaab Airstrip. More than 50 little children under the age of 10 ran 2 kms and we even had a few 3 year olds run 1 km! All children were generously rewarded for their efforts with books, pencil cases, shirts and bubbles!
Start of the Children’s Race
Children Running on the Sasaab Airstrip
The Half-Marathon and Women’s 7 kms Run was held the following day. All scouts, warriors and check-points were in place by 6:15 am and both races started at 6:30 am. Over 100 runners had registered, including marathon runners from Wamba town, Samburu ladies from Sasaab and Ngutuk Ongiron, Warriors from Westgate and Kipsing, Westgate Conservancy rangers, and staff from Sasaab, Ewaso Lions and Carter Safaris.
Start of the Half Marathon
Start of the Women’s and Kids Race
The Half-Marathon and Women’s Race was over by 9 am. Goats were distributed as prizes with medals and shirts for everyone. Everyone had a great time and we ended with talks about the importance of wildlife and lions in particular. We were lucky that the elephants stayed off the route this year although driving back to camp, there was a huge bull feeding at the side of the road! We were all relieved no one had bumped into him! Moses from Ewaso Lions came in 8th position and was the first ranger to complete the Half Marathon. Moses is now training hard for the Lewa Marathon next month.
Moses finishing the Half Marathon in great time!
The Ewaso Lions team!
Winner of the Half Marathon gets his prize… a goat!
Group photo of 2011 “Running for Lions” Half Marathon
Thanks to Tony Allport for great photos, Sasaab Lodge and Westgate Conservancy for their support and Carter Safaris for stepping in at such short notice to make this an extra special event with banners, medals and shirts! We look forward to another event in 2012 with new routes and more runners!