The Beginning

In the spring of 2010, “Maasai Warriors” Paul and Francis received a phone call from China. A few weeks later, they were aboard an international flight to Shanghai, where they would participate in the Chinese-version of the Emmy Award-Winning television series The Amazing Race, China Rush. Along with nine other teams from all over the world, Paul and Francis would compete in mental, luck, strength, and transportation challenges throughout 12 cities in China.

Hailing from the marathon nation of Kenya, Francis and Paul liked to run. Fellow contestants Sarah and Molly ran ultra-marathons throughout Asia, and the two teams soon became fast friends.

When the group decided to collaborate, an idea was born to start an endurance running event in support of Maasai girl’s education in Kenya. In the summer of 2011, the friends reunited in the Kenya bush for their second Amazing Race, this time, the Amazing Maasai Ultra Marathon.

To manage the donations and proceeds of the event, The Amazing Maasai Girls Project (AMGP) was inaugurated in August 2011. Since then, $100,000 has been raised for the AMGP scholarship fund. The marathon continues to serve as its main fundraising platform and both organizations continue to work together closely.

Since establishing the marathon, they have sent 200 girls from the local Masai communities to secondary school, each with four-year scholarships.

Source: AMGP Website: Amazing Maasai Girls Project Origin

The Experience:

Friday: Travel Day

After weeks of anticipation, we gathered at International Life House and boarded our Land Cruiser ready for the adventure ahead.

This Marathon would have us running in the wild with lions lurking in the bushes.Sounded crazy but the day was here.

We drove via the central highlands for a quick stop at Nanyuki before driving off into the wilderness of Laikipia.

A small metallic gate stood in our way as we made our way to Loldaiga. We were expected and after quick check-in, we made our way into the park and started a through the park game drive. 500 meters into the park we came upon a group of 6 lions. And the magic began from there on.

We would drive up the Loldaiga mountains to a viewpoint at the top of the hill that opened up to one of the most magical plainlands I have ever seen. We made our way down the zigzag road with a herd of elephants dotting the sides of the mountain.

Once on the flat plains we would be treated to a view of Giraffes, Zebras more elephants and eventually our luck brought us upon a Cheetah. We then made our way down a steep bush road to our temporary camp, intriguing was the fact that a group of 4 elephants were busy grazing 500 metres from our tents.

Our Camp Setup

Our welcome to camp was quite a spectacle with a group of Maasai Morans and girls belting out cultural dances. I felt like quite a tourist when they carried my bags to my tent and showed me around.

The setting was a glamping one; tents, beds, beddings, wild toilet and hot showers attached to each tent right next to a now flowing Laga(river).

There was a dining mess, Kitchen and Bar. It was unbelievable that all this had been set up in 6 days complete with even plumbing work!

We settled to the evening with the sound of birds and wild animals howling in the distance ready for the main day!

Saturday: Race Day

Race days turn the once quiet camp into a military camp. Woke up to everyone rushing to get something done before we set out for the Race Start point at 6am. We were treated to the sunrise over the Mukogodo forest and hills.

A crowd had formed at the race desk with locals busy collecting their bibs. Music reigned up in the air and a group of Maasai Morans charged up the startline with tunes and jumps.

At 0800hrs Douglas Wakiihuri the first Kenyan Marathon to win Olympic gold flagged off the race with a startlist of over 300 participants going for 10km, 22kms and 44kms.

On the route we found water stations, bush toilets, relief stations and an ambulance. Due to the wildlife risk over 50 rangers dotted the route and at some point a winged plane could be seen doing aerial surveillance. Safety was indeed at the forefront.

We returned to the race village around noon and caught up with the prize-giving ceremony. The following were the winners of the day.

10 Kms (Men) Kenoti Kiyaa – 41:09

10 Kms (Women) Veronica Leruwa – 48:19

22 Kms (Men) Lesasuiya Peter – 1:26:17

22 Kms (Women) Gladys Chichi – 1:40:12

44 Kms (Men) Michael Kanyi -3:25:22

44 Kms (Women) Rose Mwangi – 4:14:41

After the race, we settled into a lovely sundowner in the park before retreating for a bonfire and celebration at camp.

Sunday: Travel Day

On Sunday the international guests left early to catch their flights to the Mara while we had a chilled lazy morning at camp. At 11am, and in a beautiful convoy we snaked out of camp for the last time with 14 of our 4X4 visitor cars.

We drove through the conservancy with a few wet spots providing the much-needed thrill for the 4X4 enthusiasts. As we snaked up the steep Loldaiga hills a herd of elephants bid us farewell with their resounding trumpets.

I will surely remember the times at the magical plains of Maiyanat and Loldaiga Conservancies.

Whats next maybe the Dusk 2 Dawn III race at Parklands Sports Club this weekend followed by  Turkana Eliye springs(Roaming Desert Ultra) on September 12^th to 15 ?

We bring you adventure races all around Africa. Visit our website to see what’s coming up.