Bett out for a sixth victory in the Maasai Mara Ultra Marathon

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: 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 steering his rangers squad to glory in the relay category.

Through his feats in the energy-sapping showdown, Bett has been able to receive quality ranger uniforms and has gained the opportunity to be trained and licensed as a drone pilot.

"The race proceeds are 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 on bagging 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.

"The funds we are raising will be used to support the elephants and the entire Mara ecosystem, including the infrastructure, the community, the 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 individuals and corporations 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.