This September the three of us will be running the ForRangers Ultra Marathon in Kenya. This is a 230km self-supported footrace across 5 conservancies in the foothills of Mt Kenya. The race will be run across 5 consecutive days (covering just over a marathon per day) and will include gruelling climbs and descents over rocky and mountainous terrain, all at around 2000m above sea level. To put this into perspective, the highest ski resort in the Alps sits at 2300m. So yes, for three blokes who are better known for ordering Deliveroo from across the road to save getting out of bed, this is phenomenally stupid.

Fortunately, however, we have a seasoned marathon runner in our ranks. Having completed the Paris Marathon 2017 in a time he still refuses to disclose (‘I walked quite a lot of it…’), Max is hungry for more. As for Alexander and Tarquin, the last time either of us ran anywhere whilst not chasing some form of ball was at the Radley cross country; a gruelling, treacherous 3km race around the golf course in 2012. We must complete each day within a strict cut-off time or face disqualification. Should we fail to complete the race, any donations shall be refunded. However, in a more realistic scenario, all podium silverware shall be gifted to our most generous sponsor.

The race has been organised on behalf of ForRangers and Save the Rhino International. ForRangers is a charity set up to provide aid and support for the anti-poaching rangers who make huge sacrifices on a daily basis to protect critically endangered wildlife across Kenya and Tanzania. Save The Rhino International have been at the forefront in the fight against rhino poaching across the world for over 20 years. Fundamentally they aim to involve and educate communities, whilst also tackling the global illegal trade at source and supporting the rangers on the ground. However, with a 9,000% increase in rhino poaching in the past decade, the situation has become critical and without support we could be facing the extinction of both rhino and elephant within the next couple of decades.

All profits from our fundraising will go entirely to the thousands of rangers supported by For Rangers. It will be invested in basic equipment to make their lives easier in the field, towards educational opportunities for their children and, with over a thousand rangers having been killed in the line of duty across Africa since 2003, towards the welfare of a Ranger’s family should the worst happen.

On top of any kind donations, we are hoping to spread awareness of the issues surrounding poaching in Africa, particularly within the younger generation, as ultimately it will be down to us to protect the earth's fragile ecosystem for future generations. We thank you in advance for any donations.