Stage Four of the Beyond the Ultimate Ultra Marathon unfolded across the rugged terrain of Ol Jogi Conservancy, one of Kenya’s oldest and most vital rhino sanctuaries. The 58,000-acre expanse of Ol Jogi is not just a haven for rhinos but also hosts a dense population of elephants, and 15% of the world’s remaining Grevy’s zebra.

The day began with an electrifying start as three lions were spotted near the starting point, a stark reminder of the raw, untamed beauty of the conservancy. As runners took their first steps, they passed through a dry clay riverbed—a ravine carved deep into the earth, its red walls towering on either side. The ground beneath their feet was a tapestry of animal tracks, including the unmistakable prints of wild dogs that had passed through during the night.

As the race progressed, the runners encountered a landscape dotted with massive rock kopjies—rocky outcrops that jutted from the flat plains, adding to the dramatic scenery. The course weaved through this bushveld country, where expansive herds of elephants roamed, their majestic presence a humbling sight for the competitors.

Adding a poignant note to the day was the runners meeting Bella, a rescued baby rhino, being nursed back to health by dedicated rangers. This small but significant life symbolised the ongoing efforts to protect and preserve the precious wildlife of Kenya, and a reminder of the race’s greater purpose.

The stage concluded near a local school supported by the conservancy, where the runners set up camp for the night. The blend of endurance, wildlife encounters, and community interaction made Stage Four a day to remember, as the runners moved one step closer to the ultimate finish line.

In Stage Four of the For Rangers Ultra, Tommy Yen Po Chen once again claimed victory in the men’s category with a time of 3:52:00, closely followed by the lighting quick Evgenii Ustiugov at 3:54:00, who was chasing the top spot all race. Another excellent performance from Ken Rideout puts him in the top three with a time of 4:01:00, despite ending up a mile off course aftre CP4. In the women’s race, Morgane Rivière once again led the field with a time of 6:12:00 despite feeling under the weather, with Charlotte Logie finishing second at 6:14:00 alongside partner Scott, and Michelle Hincks rouding out the podium once again with third place in 7:00:00 flat.

Further down the field Helen Lane, Mia Thomsen and Christina Khinast all came across the line within 15 minutes of one another, with 6:53:00, 7:00:00, and 7:06:00, respectively!

Lorna Bonareri, Chris Jenkins, David Mysliwiec and Kerry Baverstock were last across the line, putting in an absolutely momentous ten hour shift out on course in baking weather. Lorna finished in 10:04:00 and the rest in 10:07:00.

Tomorrow the final stage awaits, and the teeming Ol Pejeta, with its huge wildlife population, awaits.