About The Amazing Maasai Marathon
The Amazing Maasai Marathon is a Running race in Kimanjo, consisting of a Marathon and Half Marathon.
COURSE: The Maasai 42k & 21km races are held near the small Maasai town of Kimanjo, Laikipia - about 70km from Nanyuki (GPS Coordinates: 0',31'1.37"N, 37'1'1.08E). It is a remote area in the foothills of Mt Kenya, well off the beaten track. The journey out from Nanyuki takes close to three (3) hours on unmarked roads. The course is quite hilly and is on dirt roads, paths, and trails. It's a great off-road race for the adventure traveler!
ELEVATION: The lowest point on the course is 6000 feet above sea level and the highest point is 6300 feet above sea level. Earlier in the week, you will be atKeep Reading Aberdare Country Club, which is approximately 7,000 feet above sea level. Many feel acclimated to the elevation upon arriving at the race site.
Cross Africa off your seven continents list by running one of Africa's most exotic trail routes through a Maasai community in the remote village of Kimanjo. Feel good knowing that the purpose of the race is not only to participate in a sport you love, but also raise awareness and funds to send Maasai girls to secondary school. Proceeds from your race entry fee go directly to the Amazing Maasai Girls Project (AMGP).
Your experience is not only the race though. You will have an amazing adventure and educational journey as you travel from Nairobi, Kenya to the Aberdare National Park and the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, known as the densest concentration of game anywhere in Kenya. You will explore the vast and varied landscapes of Kenya on your game drives, bush walks, and runs with local Kenyans! We encourage you to add the three night extension to your package to witness the 'Great Migration' in the Mara.
This tour is recommended to those who are adventurous! Although an 'amazing' experience, it is more rugged due to the long bumpy roads and the rustic accommodations at the race tented camp site.
TEMPURATURE: During the dry season, temperatures fall into the 50s at night. Thus, at the 7:00AM race start, it is a bit cool. The sun raises just before the start and temperatures rise into the low 80s by 11:00AM.
ENTRY FEE: Entry to the marathon and half-marathon is $150.00 per person. The 10K is $90.
TIME LIMIT: The course time limit for the Marathon is 6.5 hours. The same applies for the half-marathon. You must pass the half-way point of the marathon in three (3) hours in order to continue on the marathon course.
NUMBER PICKUP: Numbers will be provided at the race briefing the evening before the event or will be picked up on way to the tented camp-site.
AWARDS: Top three overall for males and females in both races. Prize money is only for runners who live in the community. Each runner will receive a medal and T-shirt.
RUNNING SHOES: Although not mandatory, you may consider training and bringing trail shoes for the race. The trail is raked, but you will still come across rocks and potentially thorns. Regular running shoes are worn by the majority of participants.
DIFFICULTY: High altitude, challenging hilly course, trail run in a remote area.
www.marathontours.com View Course Map