Homa Bay Runs Wild For A Cause At The Ruma National Park Marathon

Hundreds Lace Up To Protect Kenya’s Last Roan Antelopes In A Race Through Breathtaking Savannahs

Homa Bay County recently laced up its running shoes to host the 2nd Roan Antelope Half Marathon, held on August 10–11, 2025. Participants from all walks of life; elite runners, enthusiastic amateurs, conservation advocates, and families, converged in Ruma National Park to run 5K, 10K, or 21K, blending fitness with purpose. The event served as a vibrant platform to raise awareness and support for Kenya’s only remaining roan antelope population, a species with such low numbers that it’s on the brink of local extinction.

The roan antelope, distinguished by its dramatic swept-back horns and contrasting facial markings, has largely vanished from Kenya, surviving solely within Ruma National Park. Current estimates suggest fewer than 30 individuals remain, making conservation efforts here critically urgent. The marathon’s goal wasn’t just medals and finish times, it was about giving this rare species a fighting chance, using sport to unify communities around a shared conservation mission.

Beyond the race, the backdrop of Ruma National Park offers a compelling reason to stay. Nestled near Lake Victoria, framed by the Kanyamwa Escarpment and Ruri Hills, Ruma features sweeping savannahs, rolling hills, escarpment horizons, and an enchanting sense of seclusion. Visitors might glimpse Rothschild’s giraffes, oribi, Jackson’s hartebeest, leopards, buffalo, zebra, and between April and September, even the rare and migratory blue swallow, a birder’s marvel.

The marathon this year delivered more than exhaustion-fueled elation, it offered stories. Local athlete Alfred Cheruiyot defended his title in a spirited race that drew cheers not just for the winners, but for the cause. Numerous media outlets and tourism platforms amplified the event’s message: sports and conservation are a perfect match, especially when the location is as majestic and underexplored as Ruma.

Looking ahead, Ruma National Park beckons adventurers and nature lovers year-round. For wildlife watching, any season is fair game, but April through September brings a heightened thrill, for both the blue swallow in the air and the hope for roan antelope on the ground. Registrations for the 2026 marathon are anticipated to open through Homa Bay County’s official channels, so trailblazers should stay tuned for updates.

The 2nd Roan Antelope Half Marathon wasn’t simply a race, it was a movement. It proved that each stride, each cheer, each entry fee could help safeguard one of Kenya’s rarest wildlife treasures. Better yet, Ruma National Park invites you to linger, offering silence, spectacular landscapes, rich biodiversity, and a chance to support conservation with your footprints. Lace up, explore, and make your journey count.

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