This isn't your average race. Over five grueling days, participants tackle a 230km course across varied and challenging terrain. From sun-baked grasslands to rocky hills, winding riverbeds, and dense forests, the landscape itself becomes a character in this incredible adventure. Read on to hear from Jon Shields post-race.
Imagine yourself in the heart of Kenya, with the majestic Mount Kenya as your backdrop. The air hums with the calls of the wild, and every step takes you deeper into a landscape teeming with iconic East African wildlife. Now, imagine running through this breathtaking scenery, not just for personal glory, but to support the brave men and women who protect it. This is the essence of the Beyond Ultimate For Rangers race, a life-changing ultra-marathon that pits runners against the wild and in support of a vital cause.
Beyond Ultimate For Rangers Race stats:
After the race, Jon Shield shared his unique perspective on the experience, highlighting the incredible blend of personal achievement and meaningful purpose. For Jon, the Beyond Ultimate For Rangers race was a long-held dream, a "bucket list" challenge driven by the desire to run through Kenya's vast wildlife conservancies.
"The opportunity to run through multiple wildlife conservancies surrounded by wild animals was a dream come true," Jon explained. His journey was filled with remarkable, and sometimes startling, encounters, from unknowingly running past a pride of seven lions to witnessing a hyena in mid-chase and sharing the course with large numbers of rhinos, elephants, giraffes, and zebras....
Beyond the wildlife, what made the race truly incredible for Jon was the chance to connect with the very people it supports. "The fact I could meet the Rangers who this race is for and see where the money goes by entering this race in supporting what they do protecting all these magnificent animals from poaching is so incredible," he commented. This direct link between his effort and the Rangers' vital work brought a deeper sense of meaning to every step.
Despite limited training time post-Spine Race, Jon delivered a strong performance, securing 2nd place overall. While acknowledging the physical toll of the 2,000m altitude, which he felt impacted his performance in the latter stages of each day, he viewed the race as a positive and invaluable experience. "The knees were no worse, no feet issues, great training in an amazing place meeting amazing people," he concluded, emphasizing that the race was not just a competition but a perfect preparation for future challenges and an unforgettable adventure.
Photo credit to Cameron Wright
