LONDON , England ( CNN ) -- Six Maasai warriors have journeyed thousands of miles from their remote village in Tanzania to compete in the London Marathon . Their mission is to raise awareness and money for their village of Elaui , where two out of three babies die of water borne diseases . The Maasai warriors travel on London 's tube network . `` We are losing a lot of younger brother and sisters , '' says Isaya Oleporuo , 24-year-old leader of the group , `` we thought that we can get people to help us . '' When they heard about the marathon from Greenforce , a non-profit travel company that works in Tanzania , the young men decided to enter the race . They saw it as a way to try and raise the nearly $ 120,000 needed to set up a permanent water well in their village . `` It 's an absolutely amazing experience , '' says Paul Martin , a Greenforce Expedition Leader who helping the runners . `` They were enthralled and amused by the idea that money could be raised by running , and as the Maasai pride themselves on being strong runners it was not long before they asked me if they could take part . '' See and hear audio slideshow of Maasi in London » . But it was n't enough just to run in the marathon . They are doing it in their full traditional getup-a heavy buffalo hide shield called an Elongo and their Shuka robes . Standard wear in Northern Tanzania . Watch Maasi exploring London . The traditional outfits have lead to more than a few fascinated stares around the capital . In fact , they have become the toast of the town , taking part in numerous photo calls and spending time with British journalists . Of particular amusement to the English is the guide that they were given for London -- including a warning that if people frown they are not necessarily angry . The London marathon organizers have reveled in their celebrity runners , given them the honor of officially opening the giant expo that will be the centerpiece of the marathon that draws nearly 40,000 competitors a year . But for Oleporuo and his fellow tribesman , other than completing the race , he wants just one thing , `` I would like to meet the Queen of England . '' And if they complete the race and raise their money , perhaps they just will . E-mail to a friend .
Warriors hope to raise funds to bring permanent water supply to their village . The Maasai will race in full traditional get - up . As well as completing the race , the six hope to meet Queen Elizabeth II .