Lemayan, Otero out to nail marathon titles

Participants in a past Lewa Safari Marathon. [File]

Samson Lemayan is out to defend the 26^th edition of Lewa Safari Marathon at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Meru County on Saturday morning.

The 32-year-old speedster from Maralal who ups his training in Iten believes he has done his homework well to defend the men’s title that is being eyed by world beaters in and beyond the country.

Likewise, 2012 women’s winner Gladys Otero has put her life on the line again. She is out to reclaim the women’s diadem after a 14-year hiatus. Will she make it?

Otero seems set for a field day following the absence of women’s defending champion Mercy Kwambai who was expected to go for a three-peat performance in the race.

In the men's half marathon, Michael Kirwa is lying in wait to see who will dethrone him from the crown he successfully lifted last season.

The event that aims to raise Sh 15 Million to support conservation efforts and other human-interest causes has attracted over 1300 runners from Kenya and far beyond the borders.

Speaking ahead of the ultimate showdown slated for the weekend, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Chief Executive Officer Rob Macaire urged the athletes to put their best foot forward and break the barriers in the race categories set to be contested- 42km, 21km, 21km, 10km and the 5km junior fun run.

“The markers have been laid. There is incredible buzz in the air. There is total security in the wild. So, I urge all participants to go for the jugular,” Macaire told Standard Sports.

“We have been preparing extensively for this race in the last three months- clearance of the course, the measurements which are complete and putting up a well-oiled team on the ground for race support.

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“Indeed, we are excited to see runners arrive in their droves in Lewa this week, their participation is not only key to communities around the conservancy, but it also puts Kenya on the global map,” stated Macaire who has also hailed the healthcare, sustainable agriculture, environmental and wildlife conservation programs that are being funded by the ace proceeds.

On the education front, the proceeds have been invested heavily in digital literacy aids, providing pupils in Northern Kenya with laptops, eBooks, and interactive LED screens as blackboards.