Seas4Life’s Triathlon Adventure: Racing to Restore Kilifi’s Mangroves

Under the scorching 2 p.m. coastal sun at Mnarani Club, the Seas4Life team joined 100 individual competitors and 50 teams in a thrilling 750m swim, 20km bike ride, and 5km run. The energy was palpable as participants, some dressed as Superman and Ken from Barbie, dove into the warm waters of Kilifi Creek into a challenge unlike any we’ve faced before. 

Trading our ocean conservation efforts for wetsuits, bikes, and running shoes, we joined forces with The Leaf Charity and hundreds of athletes, racing not just for glory, but for the future of Kilifi’s mangroves. We’re thrilled to share that our collective efforts raised over 1 million KSH, with every cent going towards the restoration of 30,000 mangroves in one of Kenya’s most biodiverse regions.

The Thrill of the Race: From Creek to Coastline

The triathlon was nothing short of exhilarating. It began with the swim in the shimmering waters of Kilifi Creek, where we swam among the very ecosystems we aim to protect. The bike ride took us through the Kilifi Plantation with delightful views of the baobab trees. The run, though grueling, became a powerful reminder of the resilience needed to restore these incredible ecosystems.

Every stroke, pedal, and step felt like a direct contribution to a greener future—and the energy of the event was contagious. The atmosphere at the finish line was alive with cheering, laughter, food, and dancing, making the challenge feel like both a race and a community celebration. It wasn’t just about crossing the finish line; it was about crossing into a future where mangroves can flourish once again, protecting wildlife and communities alike.

Why Mangroves Matter: Nature’s Unsung Heroes

Mangroves are nature’s silent guardians. Their roots provide safe havens for fish and marine life, ensuring the livelihoods of coastal communities through rich fisheries. They also act as powerful carbon sinks, storing more carbon per square meter than most terrestrial forests, and serving as natural shields against storm surges, floods, and coastal erosion.

Yet, despite their vital role, mangrove forests are vanishing. Deforestation, aquaculture, and development have left vast stretches of coastline vulnerable. That’s why this year’s triathlon partnership between The Leaf Charity and Kilifi Gold Triathlon was more than just a race—it was a call to action.

The funds raised will plant 30,000 mangroves, restoring 100 hectares of crucial forest. This effort will benefit over 90,000 people living near Kilifi Creek, support biodiversity, and capture carbon, playing a key role in the fight against climate change.

Help Us Grow: Donations Still Open!

There’s still time to make a difference! Donations for the Kilifi mangrove restoration project are still being accepted. Whether you missed the race or want to do more, you can support this vital cause by contributing at The Leaf Charity. Every donation brings us closer to a healthier, more resilient coastline, and helps safeguard the future of Kilifi’s ecosystems and its people.