Bett Out For A Sixth Consecutive Victory In The 2025 Maasai Mara Ultra Marathon
Cosmas Bett on his way to victory in a past Maasai Mara Ultra Marathon. PHOTO/ MEP
By Joan Musee
NAIROBI, Kenya- Cosmas Bett will be out for a sixth consecutive victory at the 2025 Maasai Mara Ultra Marathon set for November 15 in the northern region of the various scenic Maasai Mara conservancies.
Dubbed the ‘UltraMaraThon’, the enduring 50km showpiece, whose registration was launched in Nairobi on Wednesday night, will traverse three conservancies within the Maasai Mara region namely the Mara North, Lemek and Ol Choro.
“I’m already prepping up for the showdown, I’m fit, I’m working on speed and endurance to complete the package,” Bett, 28, told Standard Sports.
The father of two, who hails from Olenguruone, will not only be out for individual victory, but is also looking forward to steer his rangers squad to glory in the relay category.
Through his feats from the energy sapping showdown, Bett has been able to receive quality ranger uniforms, and has gotten the opportunity to be trained and licensed as a drone pilot.
Cosmas Bett during the launch of the sixth edition of Maasai Mara Ultra Marathon in Nairobi on Wednesday night. PHOTO/ MEP
“The race proceeds is what kept me and my family going during the tough COVID-19 period. Also the funds have helped us rangers to solve human-elephant conflicts within the Mara region, apart from supporting sustainable actions on climate change through environmental conservation,” Bett underlined.
Fancy Chepkemoi, who had an impressive show in her debut in the marathon last season, will be focused to bag victory in the women’s category this year.
“My preparation is in top gear now, I learnt great lessons last year which I will put into use. I’m hopeful they will propel me to the podium,” the 26 year old mother of two highlighted.
Mara Elephant Project (MEP) chairperson, Beatrice Karanja, has encouraged Kenyans to register in droves for the marathon that is targeting over 500 participants this year.
“We started with a handful of runners in the race’s inception in 2020, right now the marathon has grown in leaps and bounds, it’s already getting international recognition,” Karanja stated.
Fancy Chepkemoi during the launch of the sixth edition of Maasai Mara Ultra Marathon in Nairobi on Wednesday night. PHOTO/MEP
“The funds we are raising will be used to support the elephants and the entire Mara ecosystem; including the infrastructure, the community, health sector, the rangers and the integral programmes within the Mara conservancies.
“In terms of registration, we have different packages which range from gold, silver to bronze that individual and corporate can buy to support the cause of the marathon,” she added.
MEP Special Project Manager Wilson Serua and the Mara Ol Choro Conservancy Manager Doris Nabaala stated that the race has aided the Mara rangers to go digital on their operations on the ground hence mitigating human wildlife conflicts.
