From Patrol to Podium

Runners, supporters and spectators gathered at the Mara Plains under a brooding grey sky, all anticipating the annual UltraMARAthon, a race known not only for its demanding terrain but for its vibrant atmosphere and community spirit.

Among the many teams gearing up at the start line was the Angama Running Club, proudly representing Angama Mara with four dedicated athletes ready to take on the 50 km relay.

Each runner would cover 12.5 km, pushing through rocky trails, rolling hills, wildlife-filled grasslands, and long, exposed stretches.

The event grounds felt alive. Music, chatter, warm-up routines, and the occasional cheer created an infectious energy. Standing alongside the athletes were some key Angama leaders: Angama CEO Rosco Wendover, a vocal supporter of fitness and sport among his colleagues, Collins, the General Manager of Angama Mara, and Head of Security John Wayongo, who ensured the team had everything they needed.

As the countdown boomed through the speakers and runners surged forward at the sound of the horn, Angama’s first athlete settled into a strong, confident pace. The Mara landscape lay open before them, beautiful, challenging, and unpredictable. 

And unpredictable it was. 

In the first leg of the race, the team faced an unexpected obstacle as a warthog darted onto the trail and collided with a runner, causing him to fall and disrupt his pace. It caught everyone off guard, but people could make light of the situation.

In hindsight, this marathon is not just a race against the clock, but a race shared with the wild. If it wasn't for the encounter with the warthog, Angama could have taken first place.

Yet the team pushed on brilliantly. The relay handovers were smooth, the pace was strong, and the mental resilience of the runners shone through every kilometre. Throughout the morning, the Angama cheering team moved along the route to support the runners, motivating each one and celebrating every checkpoint reached. 

Hours later, with the sun now high above the plains, the final Angama runner crossed the finish line, exhausted but triumphant. When the results were announced, the celebration began with Angama Running Club finishing in second in the 50 km relay category. It was a remarkable achievement and a proud moment for the entire Angama family.

For Angama, the UltraMARAthon was more than a competition. It was a reflection of the company’s culture, one that values wellness, teamwork, excellence, and showing up for one another. The athletes didn’t just run; they carried the Angama badge with pride across one of the world's most iconic landscapes. 

Starting and finishing at the Mara Elephant Project headquarters in Lemek Conservancy, the UltraMARAthon takes runners on a 50-kilometre journey through four northern Mara conservancies. Since its launch in 2020, the race has raised funds for wildlife rangers, conservation projects, and community health programmes across the region. This year, 338 runners from 10 countries took on the challenge, with 63 volunteers and 85 rangers stationed along the route. At 1,600 metres altitude, across rough roads and grass tracks, with 342 metres of elevation gain and temperatures averaging 26°C, it's no small feat, yet 97% made it to the finish line, clocking an average time of 4 hours 52 minutes.