The Lewa Marathon in aid of Tusk Trust

Dodging rhinos for 13 hot, hard miles.

Charlie
Charlie
PR expert
Published on
20 Nov 2017
Updated on
28 Apr 2025
Wild Antelope Joins

Charlotte Morison describes her experiences dodging rhinos, elephants and 1000 other runners for 13 hot, hard miles in Kenya.

Over a glass of G.H. Mumm Champagne at some swanky do in Pall Mall I was first introduced to the lovely Charlie Mayhew, CEO of the Tusk Trust. A couple of glasses later and what do you know, I was agreeing to don trainers and lycra and head with Ben to Lewa to take part in the Lewa Marathon!

And so, at the end of June we hopped on a flight to Nairobi to (very nearly missing our flight I hasten to add) where we were met by a very laid back Kenyan who worked for the aptly named Roving Rovers. Our trusty vehicle looked like it had done a few rounds with Mike Tyson however it worked like a treat! Unlike your usual car hire in Europe the hand over comprised a handshake and smile (no checking of the vehicle / paperwork etc. A huge relief.

On Safari
Old reliable

Having picked up Tiny (Ben’s school friend) and his work colleagues we hit the road towards the Laikipia Plateau and then on to Lewa. Needless to say our landy proved to be reliable but not quite as speedy as Tiny’s new Mahindra so we chugged sedately along the 200km’s, via a tasty lunch stop on a runway, arriving at dusk onto the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy a privately owned conservancy between Mt Kenya and Samburu. Haste was imperative as we knew in 30 mins the place would be pitch black – the sun sets a regulation time each evening and fast. So with no time for dawdling and looking at the wildlife, we sprinted to the registration tent and set about pitching our tent.

When I had imagined the campsite I was thinking something along the lines of Glastonbury, a bit grotty but cheerful. Oh how wrong we were. The campsite was brilliant, spread over a huge area we were able to snuggle into a quiet corner under some trees, looking out over the plains.... we were definitely in Africa now. The boys pitched the tents in record speed which was amazing considering the potential for faff from the likes of Ben and Gav, and the girls made supper. Our Roving Rover was equipped with a box of goodies for cooking so we set about creating a culinary feast of pasta and sauce to fire us up for the next day. With full tummies we went to sleep in our tents like the Waltons... Night Johnboy!

6am get up. Averagely bright and breezy, a quick brekkie, emergency toilet stop, another emergency toilet stop… (I was nervous) and we were all ready to face the race!

Kenya Marathon
Looking relaxed
Kenya Marathon
Must be nearly time to start!!

The atmosphere was electric, people from all over the world were gathering, a 1,000+ people all in lycra. Keen beans at the front were like greyhounds in the slips... we were a tad more British about it and loitered further back! A buzz of helicopters over head and a characterful Masai MC on the mic started the race. We were off.... pretty soon everyone had splintered into mini groups and I was on my own running along talking to all sorts of wonderful people. I know I wasn’t supposed to be talking, I was supposed to be running right but the type of atmosphere it was meant that everyone was buzzing, nattering away and smiling from ear to ear! The route was tough, tough as no one told me about the HILLS. Hills at altitude are brutal, truly, add some fierce sunshine and they really are exhausting.

Kenya Marathon

What really spurs you on is the feeling that so many wonderful people had sponsored us, not to mention the fact that it was humbling to get ‘lapped’ by local guys running in boots two sizes too big. I don’t think us Brits were made for this. We made it though, one by one we stumbled over the finish line. We were greeted with hundreds of smiling faces and blaring Afro Reggae music that you cant help but wiggle to. We all made it, a huge success and the UK team had beaten Tiny’s Kenyan crew so that was a relief too. One nil. Excellent.

Kenya Marathon
Done it!!
Kenya Marathon
Great Achievement

From there the UK crew boarded the Landy again and head northwest further into the Laikipia plateau. As soon as we left the potholey road we immediately started spotting game. This is really when self-drive comes into its own. With our heads out the roof, cruising at our own pace (as set by Gav the demon driver) we were able to do what we wanted when we wanted. For seasoned safari goers this is the best. As the sun was setting we arrived at Sosian Camp with an obligatory double G&T which we had fantasised about for the past two hours. Heaven, nowhere does entertaining like the Kenyans. We had a super two days at Sosian, looked after perfectly by the whole Sosian team.

The highlight for me was my first sleeping under the stars..... who would have thought that me, a petrified snake lady could cope with it, but I simply LOVED every minute. You sleep so well with your face looking at the stars and are all cosy inside. I am sure I heard an Elephant in the night but just rolled over and thought, he won’t bother me.. yawn!

Charlie.

Marathon
The Marathon Snake
Zebra on Safari
Zebra's joining in
Safaricom Helicopter
Keeping an eye

For more holiday inspiration, take a look at our 26 favourite safari holidays, our best African honeymoon ideas or our top family safari holidays.

Ben has organised trips to run the Lewa Marathon in Kenya for the past seven years. Call him to find out more about running the race, as well as how to build the event into a holiday.

A long weekend in Kenya to run the Lewa Marathon – leaving the UK on a Thursday and returning on a Tuesday morning ready for work – costs from £1,600, including all meals, drinks, transport and race entry. Call Ben in the office on 01768 603 715.

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Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. We stayed in four locations, firstly at the wonderful El Karama Lodge, Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy, where we even had a visit from Ruth from Far and Wild! Then, for a return visit, to Saruni Samburu, which is absolutely stunning and still one of our favourite places in the world. Next came Basecamp Mara Camp, where we saw our first Cheetah, the only animal we didn’t see on our first visit. After that, onto the wonderful Leopards Hill in the Naiboisho Conservancy, what a way to spend the last four days of this trip. Here we finally spent many hours with a beautiful leopard. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait.

16 Aug 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

17 Sept 2025
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

31 Jul 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

3 Jul 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

28 Jun 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

5 Jun 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

5 Jun 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

5 Jun 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

5 Jun 2024