Stage Four took runners deep into the wilderness of Ol Jogi Conservancy, one of Kenya’s oldest rhino sanctuaries and home to over 40 rhinos, dense herds of elephants, and 15% of the world’s remaining Grevy’s zebra. The stage began dramatically, with athletes setting off through a dry riverbed, its red earth floor stamped with the prints of rhino and other nocturnal visitors, before opening out into bushveld country dotted with towering rock kopjies. The route’s rugged beauty carried runners across a wild and protected landscape before delivering them to camp at a local school, where an unforgettable welcome awaited.

Nepalese runner Rupesh Khapung Limbu once again proved unshakable at the front of the men’s race, storming to the finish in 3:36:00.
Close behind, Britain’s Jon Shield maintained his chase, finishing in 3:55:00, keeping the pressure on but unable to close the gap. The battle for the podium positions is tightening further back: Belgium’s Folke Lemaitre clocked 4:35:00 to take third on the stage, showing growing consistency as the race heads into its later stages.

Hollie Woodhouse led the women, finishing in 5:03:00 as she edges higher in the overall standings. Just minutes later, Jacqs Manson (5:16:00) and Ioana Barbu (5:18:00) reinforced how closely matched the women’s field is, with only seconds separating them across the day.

The mid pack was defined by groups working together across the plains, with runners like Kevin Grant, John Linington, and James Fleming pushing each other along through the heat of the afternoon before trickling into camp one after the other. For many, the sight of Ol Jogi’s elephants and zebra herds on the horizon provided both distraction and inspiration during long, exposed miles.

Further back, the later finishers faced the longest hours on their feet, yet their determination was undimmed. Lisa Fenton, Shana Ray, and Elodie Milleville endured the heat to reach camp in good spirits, while others like Carole Kops and Rebekah Lattin-Rawstrone drew strength from running together over the final kilometres.

Special mention must go to Kevin and Gillian Silverthorn, who, though officially retired from the stage, arrived in camp to one of the most heart-warming welcomes of the race so far. A huge group of local school children, from the community supported by the conservancy, gathered to cheer them in. For the Silverthorns and for many others, the joy of the children was as uplifting as the finish line itself.

Stage Four was more than just a physical test; it was a journey through one of Africa’s most important conservation landscapes. From the elite runners trading minutes at the front, to the friendships forged in the middle of the pack, to the grit and determination of those bringing up the rear, every runner carried with them the shared mission of protecting the wildlife around them. As the sun set over Ol Jogi and the sounds of elephants carried across the plains, camp was alive with stories of the day and anticipation of the challenges still to come in stage five.

*Due to signal issues, these are approximate timings. All timings will be confirmed by 9am local time.