If you want an amazing adventure and race of a lifetime, then this one is for you. The course was very challenging (high elevation, hilly, sunny, and hot) but the scenery was amazing. The race was extremely well organized and everyone was well taken care of. There are plenty of water stops along the way and they are well equipped with water, sponges, oranges and a local electrolyte drink. The volunteers, spectators, and everyone involved with the race were outstanding. If you are running the full, you can go for long stretches without seeing anyone. I entered through Marathon Tours and they did a fantastic job providing us with a trip of a lifetime.

You will never understand the challenge of such a wild run unless you participate in it. There is reason to be nervous because of the jungle's big five (since they may be roaming around waiting for prey), but the organizers were excellent and would be able to handle any risky situations. Keep it up!

This is one of the toughest marathons in the world - the only one where wild animals are privileged to be among the spectators. The 21K was a loop of ascents and descents, which were quite challenge to those who had not trained enough. The 42K was a repeat loop of the 21K, and I must say, "kudos" to those who completed it. The organization was done to perfection, and every runner was taken care of individually - from the rabbit-paced to the snail-paced, and from the start to the finish. Water points were a bit spaced out, but everything I needed was in place when I got there (from fruit to energy drink). Spectators really boosted my morale and kept me going with their cheering and dances, as most of us struggled to be finishers! the last kilometer was my longest and toughest, but my slogan - "stopping is a crime" - held me back from walking. I finished strong and weak, and recorded a life-time experience. This is something you must do at least once in your life!

I entered the marathon through Marathon Tours. The course was a two-loop trek. The first time around there is plenty of company as the half-marathon runners start with the full. The course was pretty desolate the second time around. There were times that there were no other runners in sight ahead or behind me. I always felt very safe, though. I saw one elephant being ushered off the course by a helicopter but otherwise not a lot of animals out and about. The helicopter and spotter plane meant to keep away dangerous animals also tend to scare off the benign ones. Definitely carry your own liquids/fuel as the aid stations are spaced far apart and the climate was a challenge (high-altitude, very sunny). Bottled water and an energy drink were available on the course (I brought my own Gatorade from home). There were a few significant uphill climbs. Spectators are few and far between but are very enthusiastic. Kenya was beautiful and I highly recommend the Masai Mara extension package (definitely the highlight of the trip and I would have considered the trip almost pointless without it). A good percentage of our tour group came down with a 24-hour GI tract bug (a few people were unable to attempt the race because of it), but I suppose that is a risk with any destination marathon of this nature. Definitely recommend as a destination race.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The views along the course are breathtaking. Although spectators are small in number, they make up for it in enthusiasm. The Kenyan people couldn't be kinder or more hospitable. Marathon Tours and Travel organized a wonderful trip. I don't know how I will ever top this marathon experience.

This is one of the most amazing races on Earth! No place on the planet can you expierience anything like this! When we first got there we had a little trouble gwtting our tent reservations organized, but the staff was quick to help and erected another tent for the rest of my team in no time at all. Thanks Carol! The food was good and the service was equaly as good. Thr race is a grouling one but it is among the most incredable scenery on earth. After the race a nice cooldown masage is a much appreciated welcome. The party at night after the race is a lot of fun! The Calabash Band plays and keeps the party going as long as you can handle. They are no doubt the best band in Kenya. Don't worry though, if you are not up for the party the camping area is far enough away to get your peace and quiet. I had one of the best weekends I have had in Kenya yet!

I ran this marathon in 2003 and absolutely loved the whole experience. To date, it was the most difficult run I ever completed, but it was SO worth it! Yes, if you're doing the full marathon, you may get a bit lonely out there; however, the aid stations are fairly close together so you will see plenty of helpful humans along the way. The Kenyans are wonderful hosts and provide great crowd support near the start and finish. There are some hills and quite a few rocky sections on this course, and a person should stop and drink at every aid station. Don't forget your sunscreen too. I'd love to go back and do the half marathon for fun, having already done the full course. Marathon Tours and Travel does an excellent job of organizing an excursion to this marathon.

Great chance to run an unusual marathon in a wildlife conservancy with the beautiful Mt. Kenya to gaze at when the going gets tough (which it will!). Excellent organization and competitors ranging from world-class Kenyans to back-of-the-pack plodders. Game drives are a must. Raised money for a very good cause too.
Don't expect crowd support all the way as they might have been eaten, but those present are very enthusiastic.
A must for the adventurous.

Well organized event, and benefits a good cause. Tough course though - altitude (roughly 6,000 ft.), lots of hills, and warm by the finish. Add at least 1/2 hour to your expected time. Note, you can also run the 1/2 marathon.

Highly recommended. Check out marathontours.com if you want a package.

I ran this marathon in 2002 and it was a lot harder than I had expected. There are many hills, rocky paths and the heat combined with the altitude don't make things any easier!! Given that there are only a small number of runners doing the full marathon I found myself completely alone for long stretches of the course which was extremely tough but incredibly enjoyable. If you want a really big challenge (and raise some much needed money for the local communities) then this could be what you are looking for. I would LOVE to do this marathon again.