In September I will be travelling to Kenya to take part in the 2022 For Rangers Ultra.  This is a challenge unlike anything I have ever taken on before.  It’s a 230km ultra marathon, taking place over five days and crossing Kenya's famous wildlife conservancies.  

The course will cover baking grasslands, rocky hills and riverbeds.  The terrain will be tough.  As if the distance and heat were not enough, the course undulates between 1500m and 2000m so the air will also be a little thin for my liking.  If this still sounds too easy, please bear in mind that this is a self-supported race.  I’ll be carrying my entire kit, including freeze dried food, sleeping gear and safety equipment.  There'll be little by way of creature comforts.  No electricity, tepid showers at the end of each stage and jumping into wet running gear at the start of the next.

Three long years ago I planned to take part in the 2020 event.  Sadly, Covid meant that this incredible event could not take place for two years.  I've remained in training the entire time, trying to stay fit for the day I could eventually make it to the starting line.  Finally, it looks like 2022 is the year.  I certainly hope so, as I've run over 4,000 miles since signing up, with badly bruised ribs and torn ligaments along the way.

The obvious question at this point is why?  Why do this?

Deprivation aside, I shall be running among nature at its finest.  The route will be dotted with elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, warthogs and the like.

But most importantly of all, poaching activities have reached catastrophic levels.  The rangers of the region strive night and day to protect Kenya's iconic wildlife.  As they find themselves in ever more dangerous situations, their roles are morphing from wildlife carers to wildlife soldiers.  Sadly, more wildlife rangers have been killed in the last ten years than British and American military personnel. Over 1000 have been killed since 2013. 

ForRangers is a charity raising money for the welfare of wildlife rangers.  They risk their lives every day protecting Africa's most endangered species.  They cover huge distances on foot and they are heavily reliant upon the equipment they carry with them.  They need high quality clothing, sturdy boots, binoculars, night vision goggles:  the list is lengthy.  Basic equipment is essential for them to effectively do their jobs.  ForRangers also helps protect the families of these dedicated professionals by providing funding for life insurance.