FAQs

Below you'll find our FAQs. Should you have additional questions, email us at amazingmaasaiultra@gmail.com.

• What if I am interested donating to the scholarship fund, but am unable to participate in the marathon?
• Is the race fee and my donation tax- deductible?
• Where do the race proceeds go?
• Does the race fee include airfare?
• What if I have to cancel? What is the cancellation and refund policy.
• Will local Kenyan runners be running in the race?
• Are there prizes?
• How do I pay?
• Can I pay in other currencies outside of USD?
• I am living in Kenya and just want to run for the day. Can I and how much does it cost?
• Can I get a visa upon arrival?
• What vaccinations should I take? How about malaria medication?
• Do I need health insurance?
• I have a medical condition. How do I let you know?
• Do I need to qualify in order to participate?
• What if I have special dietary requirements?
• Can you give me a picture of the environment?
• What is the weather like?
• What is our fundraising goal?
• Is there a local school where the girls can go to school?

What if I am interested donating to the scholarship fund, but am unable to participate in the marathon?

No problem. There is a Scholarship Fund for girls who come from families who cannot afford to educate them. We are seeking to raise $1600 to educate a Maasai girl for four years, an education she would not otherwise have. In Kenya, primary school is free and government funded but secondary school is fee-based. Please email us for more details.

If you are interested in donating to our initiative but are unable to run with us, you can support a student through your charitable contribution. Please click here to donate.

Is the race fee and my donation tax- deductible?

The Amazing Race Ultra is fund-raising activity as part of The Amazing Maasai Girls Project, a registered non-profit 501c3 organization in the United States. We estimate a built-in donation of $200 for each runner. As such, $200 of your race fee is tax-deductible, plus any funds you raise in addition. Upon request, the Amazing Maasai Ultra can provide a letter stating your contribution amount for tax exemption purposes.

Does the race fee include airfare?

No. International airfare is at your own cost. We are trying to arrange group rates and will keep you informed of special deals as they become available.

Where do the race proceeds go?

All proceeds from the race go to the Amazing Maasai Girls Project. We are a non-profit group and everyone involved in the race organization and operations is a volunteer. We draw no salaries from this event. To build the scholarship fund, there is a small donation built into the overall race fee, and the total amount raised will be announced at the Awards Ceremony after the race.

Additional fundraising is important in order to meet our fundraising targets. We request that runners raise additional funds through sponsorship of their kilometers run. While we hope that this race will be an excellent opportunity for you to experience a special part of Africa and meet a new challenge, own aim is to give-back in a meaningful way to our Maasai hosts.

What if I have to cancel? What is the cancellation and refund policy.

On or before August 1st, we can offer a refund on the International fee (US$1950) with a US$350 administration fee. August 1st to September 1st there will be a $500 administration fee. After September 1st, there will be no refund on the race fee. Add-on packages and private safari tent supplements refunds need to be addressed to the travel provider.

Will local Kenyan runners be running in the race?

Of course! Local group ranch runners from the Laikipia Maasai community are welcome to participate in the 21km, 42km and 75km races, and they participate for free. As this is a charity run to support education in these communities, we welcome all local men, women and students who want to participate to join. Beware: these runners are fast! Most likely the only time you will see them is at the start line!

Are there prizes?

For Kenyan runners, yes. Special prizes will be provided to the top men and women in both races. In 2011, the male winner of the 42km marathon took home a highly-coveted live cow. Local group ranch community runners are welcomed to participate and are our guests on the course. Laikipia community members run free of charge provided they sign-up in advance of race-day.

For international runners, you will receive a medal, official finisher’s certificate and a very cool t-shirt designed and printed by Kenya-based apparel company Kourage Athletics.

How do I pay?

As well as online, through our secure registration pages on Active.com, you can also pay in the following two ways:

1) Personal/ Cashier's Checks :
The check can be made out to: "The Amazing Maasai Girls Project," and mailed to: 713 Whispering Marsh Drive, Charleston, South Carolina, 29412 USA.

3) Wire Transfer:
You can pay directly into the the Amazing Maasai Girls Project bank account. It
is a Bank of America account and can receive US dollars. Please factor in extra funds for wire transfer fees. Please find banking information below.

Bank of America

Address: 540 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412 USA

Account Name: Amazing Maasai Girls Project

Account Number: 223013322688

Wire Routing #: 053904483

Swift Code: BOFAUS3N

Can I pay in other currencies outside of USD?

If you have a currency other than USD, you can do a currency transfer and wire it into our USD account in the United States. If you are located in Kenya and have only this currency, please contact us directly at amazingmaasaiultra@gmail.com and do our best to work with your needs.

I am living in Kenya and just want to run for the day. Can I and how much does it cost?

Yes. If you are an international or non-Laikipai community- based runner who would like to join for the day and can provide your own transportation to and from the race, the cost is $200. This fee covers race organization costs, food, water, and support staff for the aid stations, medical personal on-stand-by. This fee does not include a donation for girls’ education. Questions involving participation? Email us at amazingmaasaiultra@gmail.com.

Can I get a visa upon arrival?

For many countries, yes. A single-entry tourist visa costs $50 dollars and can be secured upon arrival at immigration. If you prefer to get it in advance, please contact your local Embassy or Consulate of Kenya. To see a complete list of those countries that can secure visas upon arrival, click here for visa details.

What vaccinations should I take? How about malaria medication?

What vaccinations you decide to get is a conversation between you and your doctor. Travelers to east Africa commonly get Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and/ or Polio vaccinations. Mosquitoes are not as common at the higher altitudes, but malaria tablets are recommended for travelers to east Africa. Malarone is a common brand.

Please note for travelers coming from China, Malarone tablets are more difficult to secure. International hospitals have them but not in large supply and at a price. Please plan accordingly. For more information on vaccinations and medical travel advice, please visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention site.

Do I need health insurance?

Yes. The Amazing Maasai Ultra provides emergency, catastrophic secondary insurance but is not a provider of primary medical coverage. In order to participate, you will need to provide proof of primary medical insurance before running.

I have a medical condition. How do I let you know?

Please let us know on the application form. There will be local nurses and doctors at the aid stations as well as an ambulance on stand-by at the race site. Before you sign-up or run, please remind yourself that you are responsible and run at your own risk. Please take the time to read the health and safety information.

Do I need to qualify in order to participate?

You need to be in good physical shape and ready for a tough adventure race at higher altitude. For the 21km and 42km races, walkers and runners are welcome. For the 75km race, evidence of previous participation in marathon or ultra-marathons is required. All runners run at their own risk and are required to sign a waiver and have primary health insurance.

Please note: the 42km course is the same as the first 42km of the 75km course. This enables runners who wish to complete at 42km to do, and those runners who wish to continue the 75km to continue after the 42km mark.

What if I have special dietary requirements?

Most of the meals are vegetarian-based or can be made vegetarian easily. If you have specific requirements, please let us know in your online application when you apply. Alternatively let the race organizers know at amazingmaasaiultra@gmail.com. We will do our best to accommodate.

Can you give me a picture of the environment?

Central Kenya is an arid environment. There are rolling hills, flat plans and lower lying bush areas. The altitude is high: 1500-2000 meters and the water is scarce so you will need to hydrate often. The road system from Nairobi to Nanyuki is tarmac and well-maintained. From Nanyuki, the roads are unsealed and often very bumpy. Running water and electricity are not common in rural Kenya so set your expectations accordingly. It's remote and basic - but totally unique and very special!

What is the weather like?

Although Kenya is located near the equator, the months of August-September are “winter” months. As such, expect significantly cooler temperatures in the evenings. The daytime can be hot and dry, and the sun is strong. For running, expect to wear a jacket in the morning, lighter clothing throughout the day, and warm clothes as the sunsets. Showers during the day are common.

What is our fundraising goal?

In 2012, the Amazing Maasai Ultra raised US$36,000, all of which has been put towards 4-year high school scholarships for 20 girls from the Maasai group ranches (like villages) in Laikipia North, the locale of the race. For 2013, would are aiming to match or surpass our fundraising achievements of last year.

Is there a local school where the girls can go to school?

Yes. In the village of Doldol in the Laikipia region, there is a government-run secondary (high) school called St. Francis Secondary. It is a boarding school and based on the British education system. There are 3 trimesters per year and from this school, girls will qualify to go to college and/ or technical training school. $400 per year pays for tuition, room and board (not uniforms or other personal items).