Marathon Attracts Sports Tourists to Kenya’s Masai Mara

November 24, 2011

It's called "The World's Wildest Marathon," and it drew more than 1600 athletes from around the world to a Kenyan game reserve last week. This was the third running of the Masai Mara Marathon - and it illustrates Kenya's efforts to position itself as a sports tourism destination

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Long known as a premier destination for animal safaris, Kenya is working to increase its profile as a leader in the niche sports tourism industry.

Due to the global success of Kenyan marathoners, many tourists are interested in training or just running alongside these world-class athletes. The Masai Mara marathon provides just such an experience.

“They’re amazing. It’s just a complete different class. I mean, it’s hard running up here, partly because of the altitude. Uh, I hadn’t really done that much training. They’re just incredible,” said Richard Hawkins, a marathon participant.

The marathon's course takes the runners through the Masai Mara, a large game reserve in southwestern Kenya.

Unlike other marathons, this one requires athletes to run through terrain inhabited by wild animals, and usually only accessible by 4-wheel-drive vehicles.

“It was great. It was everything I wanted it to be. There were tons of animals running around everywhere while we were running, and everyone here seems to be having a great time. So, I love it,” said Chris Liefers, another participant.