Safaricom Marathon for Tusk

Julia and Daniel completed Kenya's Safaricom Marathon, held within the undulating hills of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Daniel said it was most certainly the toughest challenge we have taken on yet. Running on 13 miles of undulating dirt track, in temperatures and at altitudes that would make the toughest marathon runner shiver, tested us to our limits.

A few days before the race we arrived in Lewa to acclimatise to temperatures pushing 30C and an altitude of over 5,500ft. During this time we visited some of the projects that Tusk supports. The time we spent with the schools, children, wildlife and their wardens was inspiring and made our forthcoming task so much easier.

Farris, a Safaricom employee, kept Julia company for the 13 miles. Julia said: "It was a real pleasure to meet Farris, a kind, gentle man who had run in the marathon over five times, keen to raise as much money and awareness of the need for conservation and education to go hand in hand. We pushed each other along the whole course, particularly up those impressive hills. We slowly jogged the last few miles as Farris had damaged his hamstring, and there was no way I was leaving him behind. We came through the finish line very proudly, together. Lovely people, an amazing event."

Our many thanks to the Lewa wardens who ensured we had safe passage, and to the many volunteers who ensured drinking water, bananas and water sponges were on hand to keep us cooled and fuelled.

The marathon, in its 19th year, has created something unique in Kenya, linking wildlife and the local communities for now and for future generations. With your help we raised just over £4,500 for this wonderful cause.