Gauntlet Thrown At Rhino Charge

Nairobi Star (Nairobi)

James Murua

7 June 2011

It was one of the dustiest Rhino Charges in its 22-year history, a race born as a way to raise funds to fence off the Aberdare forest, the natural home of the rhino, one of the most endangered species on the planet. Over the last decade it has turned out to become one of Kenya’s biggest social events with both competitors and spectators showing up in droves.

This year was no different with hundreds of charge enthusiasts showing up at the race venue. As per tradition, the participants learnt of the route the night before the race after making their check in at Mogotio north of Nakuru.

They then headed out to the charge area over one hundred kilometres further North in harsh conditions past the picturesque Lake Baringo in the Yatya area. Over 58 competitors took part in the race with only 13 completing the difficult course that saw a record Sh77million raised.

Away from the competitors, spectators were drawn from all cadres of society . Cheers and jeers went up at the gauntlet, the special viewing area section of the course. Here you would hear an almighty shout in increasing crescendo as the different vehicles made their way up the improbably difficult terrain.

AllAfrica – All the Time