Stage one of For Rangers Ultra 2023 is complete and it has felt like a party for most of the day.

The runners were in amazing spirits as they gathered on the start line this morning, as were members of the Lewa Conservancy team who were gathered around with flags, clapping and cheering as Race Director Kris King did the countdown and sent them on their way.

At just under 40 kilometers, and without any major climbs, you could be forgiven for looking at this on paper and seeing something at the easier end of ultra running. Do not be fooled. The lowest point on the course is around 1200 meters above sea level and although you might not notice that kind of altitude walking around, when you are running you absolutely do.

The heat today as well has been a challenge too. It started very mild but as soon as the sun came up over the tree line, the temperature jumped and has stayed high the entire day. It has been a punishing trail.

But you wouldn’t know that from the faces of the runners around camp this evening. They are sitting around our campfire trading tales of zebras, giraffe and even rumours of a lion sighting in the distance.

Our winners and the leading three males were Tom Makin, Tomas Rybar and Alex Ward and all finished within a few minutes of each other. Similarly close were our top three women, Katie Baker and Lou Cole, finished together having stuck together through most of the course. In third place, Veronique Levine was not far behind.

All the runners made it to camp under their own steam and all are in good health. We’ll sleep tonight under the stars in our tents and be back with you first thing in the morning.

Good night from Lewa Conservancy.