In September 2024 an intrepid group of runners took on the epic challenge of running across Kenya as part of the ForRangers Ultra to support the hard-working rangers that dedicate their lives to rhino conservation. Save the Rhino’s Community Fundraising Officer, Raj, was there to witness this incredible challenge first-hand and has shared his favourite moments from his travels with us!
Rangers at start line
The precipice of the ForRangers Ultra’s start, a small number of wildlife rangers from Lewa Wildlife Conservancy outlined the start-line with their ranks, cheering runners as they set-off on an epic 230km across Kenyan bushveld.
Bella the rhino
For me, life peaked in this moment. On Day 4 of the Ultra, runners were greeted by Bella the black rhino, an orphaned calf recovering from an encounter with a cheetah when she was no more than two days old. Her keeper, Peter, accompanied her as she said hello to each and every runner. Many tears were shed in those moments, as the gravity of the ForRangers Ultra became real.
Black rhino
Neighboring Bella, an inquisitive black rhino male approached the edge of his boma to observe the 100 runners that were zipping past like so many gazelles on a savannah. He posed for the camera just long enough to make sure that I got his good side.
Najin
It seemed that a remarkable moment of silence settled over Ol Pejeta Conservancy as I beheld one-half of the last two remaining Northern white rhinos on planet Earth. Najin radiated a calm, serene energy as we sat with her for over a half-hour. It was both beautiful and devastating to be in the presence of this survivor.
Rhino Boy Chris Green
Ambassador Chris ‘Rhino Boy’ Green faced an extreme challenge on Day 5 of the ForRangers Ultra: 47km of high-velocity winds – on an incline – across Ol Pejeta’s landscape. This photo was taken as I joined Chris for the last 20 km of the race, looking across at him as the wind lifted his signature rhino costume from his body, causing it to act as more of a parachute than a rhino.
