Finally, after one ‘loooong’ year of planning, meetings and collaboration, the 3rd edition of the KQ Masai Mara Marathon is about to become another reality – TODAY!!!

Many thanks go out to our terrific sponsors and partners.

Most importantly, THANK YOU for supporting this event, and keeping in touch with us via our ever-popular Facebook page. Furthermore, our website stats show web surfers from all corners of the globe…truly, a remarkable accomplishment.

Cheers!

- The Masai Mara Marathon Team

The Federation takes this chance to thank all the sponsors of Masai Mara Marathon especially Kenya Airways who are the title sponsors.

Athletics Kenya has made remarkable strides in raising the Standards of athletics and in showing that its’ the premier Sport in the country. We encourage Athletes and sports organizers to educate the Kenya population the importance of natural conservation which will allow the rivers to flow as per the theme of Masai Mara Marathon.

Athletics Kenya’s ultimate goal is to provide ample opportunities for Kenyan athletes to perform to the best of their ability.

Athletics Kenya wishes all the athletes competing in this year’s Masai Mara Marathon the best of luck and a Merry Xmas for those who will not be participating in the other races this year. You are our Ambassadors to the World.

Isaiah F. Kiplagat, MBS
Chairman, Athletics Kenya

It was also intended to introduce sports tourism in this great tourism ecosystem of our country — in the Mara Ecosystem — and to bolster the great wildebeest migration from the Serengeti which has since been slated as a world wonder.

The inaugural marathon event held in 2009 sought to begin this process and following its success, the Masai Mara Marathon has continued to attract both local and international participation; in particular, fun runners and tourists. We expect this trend to continue with significantly increased registration this year.

The Masai Mara Marathon is an annual event held within the Mara Ecosystem. The event is not only expected to grow into a global athletic meet but also into a great driver for raising funds to address the needs of the people who live in the Mara Ecosystem, the real custodians of the rich heritage, culture and diverse flora and fauna in our nation.

The Masai Mara offers a multi-faceted sports tourism experience and of the several aspects that make up the Kenyan brand, athletics, wildlife the great culture of the Masai people have always stood out.

In response to this unique experience and opportunity, Kenya Airways has provided support in the form of a three year Title Sponsorship to this annual event. This support has been very critical to the success of the Kenya Airways Masai Mara Marathon.

The 2010 Kenya Airways Masai Mara Marathon attracted over 650 local professional athletes and another 200 non-professional and international athletes. This year, the event has so far attracted over 700 local and 400 foreign participants who have registered and the number is expected to rise to over 2000 participants on closing date of the registration on 16th November, 2011.

Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, Kenya has continued to provide the much needed sponsorship and support through cash contribution, hospitality services to the secretariat and guests before and during the marathon event. Kobo Safaris has this year become our transport partner through proving transport for athletes, secretarial staff and journalists.

Mount Kenya water will again this year provide the much needed water supply to ensure runners and guests have enough clean water through-out the marathon.  At the time of publishing this message, we were at an advanced stage in negotiating with KBC and Super Sports as media sponsors to ensure that we received the much needed media publicity and audience engagement. Also expected to be on board are NHIF, NSSF, Brand Kenya and Narok County Council.

Last year’s proceeds from the marathon saw to it that the communities received even more support through the implementation of a community project at Aitong Mixed Primary School where the construction of an Administration Block has been completed and ready for commissioning.

I must also thank Athletics Kenya, National Association of Kenya Olympians, Lemek Conservancy, Narok County Council, The Rotary Club of Nairobi, the Marathon Secretariat and all our technical and professional partners, and staff for support and assistance in carrying out a successful event.

With humility and gratitude, I thank you all. I look forward to your support for the 2011 Kenya Airways Masai Mara Marathon.

John O. Konchellah
Race Director

Bio
Kobo Safaris one of Africa’s leading destination management companies. Since its launch in Kenya back in 1994, it has grown from its East African origins to now cover a variety of African destinations. Kobo Safaris provides a wide range of products and services, including regular departures on fixed circuits, tailor made safaris for individual travelers, and incentive packages for groups  has demonstrated its commitment in destination management and interest in the Masai Mara Marathon as a Partner.

Contacts
KOBO SAFARIS LTD,
Riara Rd, Dagoreti,
P O Box 72763, 00200 Nairobi,  KENYA
Tel: + 254 020 3875054 Fax: + 254 020 3870332
Email: info@kobo-safaris.com | Website: www.kobo-safaris.com

Click here to download the 2011 Runners Guide

Runners Guide – Table of Contents

• KQ Masai Mara Marathon (Intro) – page 3
• Date & Venue – page 3
• Location – page 3
• Event Organization – page 3
• Registration Process – page 4
• Dateline of Registration – page 4
• Runners Packs – page 4
• Race Categories & Registration Fees – page 5
• Olympians & Other Celebrities – page 5
• Spectators – page 5
• Services Provided on the Route – page 6
• The Weather Conditions – page 7
• Accommodation Packages – page 8
• Spectators Disclaimer – page 10
• Definitions/Legal – page 10
• Route Map – page 12
• Entry Form – page 12 (register online)
• Registration Fees | Payment Methods — page 13
• Prize Structure – page 14
• Travel To & From KQ Masai Mara Marathon – page 14
• Cancellation Policy – page 15
• Booking Form | Accommodation Booking — page 15
• Banking Details – page 16
• APPENDICES:
• Route Map – page 17
• Camp Layout – page 18
• Direction Map – page 19
• Programme of Events – page 20
• Start & Finish Structures – page 21
• Gallery (Photos) — page 22
• Sponsors – page 26

Enjoy!
- The KQ Masai Mara Marathon Team