Stage Three of the For Rangers Ultra saw participants tackle the challenging and picturesque terrain of the Lolldaiga Hills, a working ranch and conservancy located just 20km from Mount Kenya. As the runners traversed the vast Ole Naishu Cattle Ranch and made their way through the famous Lolldaiga range, they were treated to breathtaking views of Mt. Kenya on the horizon. The area, known for frequent elephant sightings, added a unique thrill to the race as competitors pushed their limits amidst the wild African landscape. Rangers were working hard as nearly 100 elephants were spotted across the course.
The stage ended with a grueling climb toward Ol Jogi Conservancy, with runners eventually descending into the beautiful campsite, where they will spend the night listening to the nearby roars of lions that patrol the area after dark.
Men’s Race:
In the men’s category, Tommy Chen once again demonstrated his dominance, taking the top spot with a time of 4:46:00. Chen’s consistent pace and focus saw him maintain his lead, despite the technical challenges of the stage. Evgenii Ustiugov finished just two minutes behind, clocking in at 4:48:00, showing his determination and strength on the tough climbs as he passed the extremely quick Ken to secure second. Ken Rideout, who had a strong showing in the previous stages, rounded out the top three with a time of 4:54:00, continuing his impressive performance in the race.
Women’s Race:
The women’s race was led by Morgane Rivière, who crossed the line in 6:20:00, securing her place as the fastest female runner of the day. Her resilience and strength were evident as she navigated through the field on a challenging course. Charlotte Logie completed the women’s top three with a time of 7:24:00, demonstrating her steady pace and endurance as she crossed the line with partner Scott. Hellie Kellet-Clarke completed the women’s top three in 7:45:00, showed her tenacity by pushing through the difficult terrain.
Notable Mentions:
Among the other competitors, several runners put in notable performances. Batuk Sgt Richie Weaver finished strong with a time of 5:25:00, securing a commendable fourth place overall and showing his experience in handling the tough conditions. Oliver Wurfbain crossed the line at 6:17:00, delivering a consistent performance that kept him within striking distance of the top runners. Joaquin Sanchez, finishing in 6:43:00, demonstrated perseverance, battling through the final ascent to earn his spot among the top finishers.
A special mention must go to local Kenyan runner Lorna Bonareri, who was unfortunately unable to complete the stage before dark and had to retire due to safety reasons. Despite the challenges, Lorna’s spirit and determination were an inspiration to all. Her efforts are a reminder of the true spirit of endurance racing, where the challenge is as much about the journey as it is about crossing the finish line.
The beauty of the landscape and the friendship among competitors were intertwined in camp tonight, with nervous runners looking on to stage four and the next step in// our epic journey across one of the most stunning environments on earth.
