Welcome to the Fairmont Mara Marathon!
An annual event sponsored by the Rotary Club of Nairobi in partnership with the Masai Marathon Ltd.
The 2009 Mara Marathon was a great success thanks to all participants, sponsors, volunteers and spectators!
The next Mara Marathon is scheduled to take place on November 20th, 2010 at the same venue (Olchorro Oirua Conservancy, Masai Mara, Kenya).
Theme: LET THE RIVERS FLOW
Date: SUNDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2009
Venue: OLCHORRO OIRUA CONSERVANCY OF MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE
Debrief:
This was the first innaugural Masai Mara Marathon. The attendance was impressive and the excitement was unparalleled.
The number of registered participants were 352 and those who ran the 5km race were 214 and 138 participated in the 21km.
The marathon was flagged off by the Assistant Minister of Sports, Kabandu wa Kabandu (picture left); Hon. Konchellah - MP Kilgoris and Hon. Ntutu - Former Minister and MP Narok South.
The marathon was graced by a number of cultural activities from traditional Masai warriors performing their traditional songs in their original format and some chosen musical celebreties of the Masai community making the occasion very exceptional.
This was a run in the wild which was perceived by many as risky with a "wait and see" attitude. The fact that it proved to be secure will definitely alley the fear of many.
We welcome all local and international athletes to come and share with us this exceptional run being placed in our national calender. Your participation means alot to us in fulfilling our moto of 'Let the Rivers Flow'.
Here is the list of sports celebrities who attended the Masai Mara Marathon:
John Ngugi: 5 times world cross country champion, African champion, Olympic champion 1988 Seuol, Korea.- Billy Komintai Konchellah: 2 times world champion 1991 Tokyo Japan, and1987 Rome Italy and Bronze Medal in 1993 Stutgart, Germany.
- Wilfred Bungei:Olympic champion - 800m; World champion - 800m; World record holder - 4x800m
- Moses Tanui: Boston Marathon winner; Silver Medal World Championship 1993
- William Yampoi: World Record holder 4x800m; Kenyan champion
- Robert Ouko: Gold Medal 4x400m Munich Olympics 1968;
- Ruth Waithera: Olympic finalist in LA Olympics - 1984
- George Karioki: Olympian Walking 1996, 2000 & 2004
We would wish to thank our sponsors, The Rotary Club of Nairobi, Fairmont Hotel, Premier Mills, Pan African Insurance, APA Insurance and members of the Rotary Club of Nairobi for their individual contribution.
Location & Venue:
Olchorro Oirowua Conservancy Maasai Mara with Start and Finish at the Fairmont Mara Safari Club. The Club is only 35 kilometers from Mulot junction which is midway between Narok and Bomet Towns on the Main Nairobi to Narok Road. From Narok Town, the Club is 87 kilometers via Mulot [see Google map].
Aims and Objectives:
- To create a forum through which funds can be raised for the conservation of the Mara ecosystem. And to also raise awareness of the plight of the stakeholders within the Ecosystem as well as the plight of retired Olympic Legends, some of whom come from the same region. People living in the Ecosystem have serious issues to do with water, sanitation, healthcare, food security and education.
- To address the plight of retired Olympic Legends some of whom come from the same region. The Olympic Legends will come in as role models, trainers, and assist in talent search and identification.
- To create a great catalyst for sport-tourism. The Maasai Mara Marathon will combine the allure of the Maasai Mara and the fame of Kenya’s running tradition and spirit to attract local and international participants.
- To give running and adventure enthusiasts an opportunity to run among the resident Mara wildlife, albeit at safe distance, and opportunity to enjoy genuine African spirit in the African wilderness.
- To act as a tool for peace and harmony among the neighboring communities
Sanction & Support:
This charity Marathon event whose theme is “Let the Rivers Flow” is sanctioned by Athletics Kenya and shall be run under the IAAF Rules.
Marathon Logistics & Participation
The marathon is divided into four Categories as follows:
- 21 km half marathon
- 10 km run individuals
- 10 km corporate challenge
- 5 km individual/celebrities run
Participate in the marathon by either registering a corporate team, as an individual or celebrities walk/run. Contact us.
Read more about the event in our newsroom
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