The lead carnivore keeper at Longleat has raised thousands for a conservation charity after completing a marathon across Kenya’s savannah, riverbanks and acacia woodland.
Caleb Hall completed the Lewa Safari Marathon in just over five hours on Saturday 27th June.
The event raises funds for Tusk, a charity which has partnered with 75 projects in 26 countries across Africa and invested more than £130 million into direct conservation work since 1990. Caleb has raised more than £2,000 so far.
“It’s always been a marathon I have wanted to run,” said Caleb. “It’s for a good cause and it’s one of the toughest marathons in the world.”
Caleb had hoped to compete in 2024, but political unrest as he and others arrived in the country led organisers to cancel the event.
The challenge stems from his inspiration watching the BBC television programme Animal Park, which featured a previous Longleat keeper taking part in the race.
“Watching Animal Park inspired me to become a keeper and to do the Lewa marathon,” he said. “I have run the London Marathon and Lewa is the only other one I’ve ever wanted to do.
“While I’m in the area, I’m going to visit projects supported by Tusk through donations from Longleat and our guests, including a local school, a water project and Lion Landscapes, which supports lions and local people.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing how the fundraising supports conservation, which is also at the heart of what we do here at Longleat, protecting critically endangered, endangered and vulnerable animals for the future.”
To support Caleb’s fundraiser, visit https://gbp26.supportlewasafarimarathon.com/campaigns/caleb-hall
Pictured: Caleb (Credit Tom Anders)
