Race Report: Stage One of the For Rangers Ultra

Stage One of the For Rangers Ultra kicked off with an exhilarating start, taking runners from the stunning Lewa Conservancy through to the Borana Conservancy. This challenging 38km stage provided participants with not only the demanding terrain but also the breathtaking backdrop of a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to an incredible array of wildlife including 93 Black Rhino, 70 White Rhino, and the world’s largest population of Grevy’s Zebra.

The race began with an energetic send-off from Lewa’s Rangers, friends, and staff who gathered to witness the runners embark on this exciting adventure. The early kilometres saw participants passing through small Kenyan settlements, where local children cheered them on as they made their way into the heart of the conservancy. The climb up to the NgareNdare forest tested the endurance of the runners, and the sight of Pride Rock near CP3 provided a moment of awe before the descent into the Borana Conservancy.

Men’s Race:

In the men’s category, Tommy Chen dominated the stage, crossing the finish line in a remarkable time of 3:50:00. His performance was nothing short of extraordinary as he led from the front and maintained a strong pace throughout. Ken Rideout followed, completing the stage in 4:12:00, showing his determination on the challenging course. Rounding out the top three was Evgenii Ustiugov, who finished in 4:20:00, putting in a solid performance to secure his spot on the podium.

Women’s Race:

The women’s race was equally competitive, with Morgane Rivière leading the pack, finishing with an impressive time of 5:02:00. Her performance set the bar high for the rest of the field. Helen Lane followed with a time of 5:43:00, showing her strength on the clay. Michelle Hincks claimed the third spot on the women’s podium, crossing the line in 6:13:00 after a strong effort throughout the stage.

Notable Mentions:

Beyond the podium finishers, several other runners displayed remarkable determination and spirit. Kurt Dhont and British Army Cpl Limbu crossed the line together, both clocking in at 4:44:00, demonstrating true camaraderie as they pushed each other to the finish. Lee Howe, with a time of 5:18:00, showed great perseverance, staying focused through the long climb and technical descent. Mark Samson finished close behind in 5:19:00, his strong effort earning him a well-deserved spot in the top tier of finishers.

A special mention goes to Kenyan Runner Lorna Bonareri, the last runner to cross the line at 9:45:00. Despite the grueling course and the long hours on her feet, Lorna’s spirit remained unbroken. Her determination to finish, despite the challenges, is a testament to her resilience.

As the sun set over the NgareNdare river, the runners settled into camp, reflecting on the day’s challenges and triumphs. With the toughest yet most rewarding parts of the race still ahead, the runners prepared for the next stage.