Lioness retain Wildlife Ranger Challenge title

Team Lioness from IFAW Olgulului retained their Wildlife Ranger Challenge title in the Women’s category after clocking 02:56:49 ahead of Sera ladies from Sera Rhino Conservancy who settled for second position with 03:36:33 on Saturday September 19, 2026 at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. 

Bongo Brigade from Mountain Bongo Project took the lead in men category Registering 2:24:50 timing ahead of Sera Men from Sera Rhino Conservancy (2:25:57) and MEP BULLS who came second and third (02:30:25) respectively.

In the mixed category, KWS Team a from Kenya Wildlife Service emerged victorious ahead of KWS team b while Olpajeta Conservancy finished third. The Challenge brought together more than a thousand rangers from across 20countries in Africa where they run in a coordinated 21km race from the irrespective protected areas.  

They undertook the challenge caring the heavy equipment they use in their daily work up to 22kgs for men and 10kgs for Women in a powerful demonstration of the physical and mental demand of their professions. 

Rob Macaire, CEO, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy said: “It is a privilege for Lewa Wildlife Conservancy to host the Regional Hub of the Wildlife Ranger Challenge, and welcome 24 ranger teams from across Kenya. This challenge is about far more than crossing a finish line. It shines a light on the discipline, resilience and commitment that rangers demonstrate every day in safeguarding wildlife, supporting communities and securing the future of Africa’s wild landscapes. When rangers are equipped to flourish, both people and wildlife thrive too.” 

The event was hosted by the Lewa wildlife Conservancy which brought together more than 25 Ranger teams from across Kenya.  “Speaking to Citizen Digital, Eunice Peneti, representing the Women Champions said their win was due to proper training they received. 

“This is our second time taking part in this competition and we are happy that we have fought and retained our title. This year’s event has been more challenging due to the hot whether as compared to last edition. We trained for three months before this competition and that boosted our dream to win.” 

Edward Ndiritu, head of the Anti – Poaching Unit at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, hailed the event saying it had been well organized. “It was a very successful event, a good event and well organized. The Rangers are very happy because every day is a school day for a ranger and today, they learnt a lot about how to better their day to day lives as rangers.

They have shared a lot with other rangers on some of the challenges facing them and they way to solve them” At the same time Tusk Trust’s Chief Conservation Officer Chantal Migongo – Bake hailed all the Rangers who turned out to represent their respective teams. 

“Today we had 24 teams from all over Kenya, with 96 Rangers representing members from the Coast to Northern Kenya and I’m happy and really excited to be here to celebrate Rangers who take care of our Natural resources from Kenya and Across Africa.

"This is my first WRC to attend and what stood out to me was Rangers coming together and sharing knowledge to each other.”