by the organising committee. Most, however, raise considerably more. The record for one year is over KES 11 million set in 2011 by entrant Alan McKittrick; while Sarah and (the late) Mike Higgins have jointly raised KES 36.6 million over the past 20 years. The Charge is limited to fewer than 60 vehicles. Owing to the huge popularity of the event, its organisers have introduced preferential entry strategy favouring high-value fund-raisers because there are far more would-be entrants than available places. Rhino Ark has been raising funds for the building and maintenance of an electrified fence nearly 400 km in length that encircles the Aberdare ecosystem. The fence is a vital element in the management of the region’s ecosystems. This year’s Rhino Charge, held in early June in Kalama Conservancy, Samburu, raised over KES 100 million for the first time and easily beat the previous year’s total of KES 90 million. The event was won by superfund-raiser Alan McKittrick (also group managing director at NAS Holdings) with a distance of just 31.34 km when the theoretical shortest route was 24.6 km.
Fund-raiser The prestigious Victor Ludorum for highest fund-raiser and best placed by formula was also won by the brilliant McKittrick. McKittrick’s team has been the highest fund-raiser for 12 years in a row. This year the team raised over KES 7 million. Since his car entered the Charge in 1989 the team has generated over KES 100 million for the trust. In a tough contest at the Gauntlet (this is part of the course with three close-together check points. It is particularly rough so has a prize all of its own), Peter Bonde-Nielsen took first place. Second position went to Gary Cullen (Smiling Shenzies) and third place was taken by Asit Patel (Team Asit Patel). The modified vehicles category was also won by McKittrick. Tanya
This year’s Rhino Charge, held in Kalama Conservancy, raised over KES 100 million Church (Team Rhino Rouge) won the unmodified category, coming 16th overall. Best placed overseas entrant was Peter Castle, who was placed 11th overall in the event. Petra Somen (Team Bushbabes) won the Coupe des Dames award. Christian Lambrechts, executive director of Rhino Ark, said: “The Rhino Ark’s conservation successes have proven that public/private partnerships are effective vehicles for delivering lasting solutions to the challenges affecting the conservation of the nation’s natural endowment.” The Rhino Charge organising committee remains committed to the conservation ideals of the late Ken Kuhle, founder of Rhino Ark. As the event grows bigger, the organisers of Rhino Charge are seeking to minimise its ecological footprint. Rhino Charge is also proud that its hosting communities benefit from the access fees from thousands of spectators and from the raised profile the area get as a tourist and conservation destination.” And not only did the competitors raise money, but camping and venue entry fees also bolstered the Rhino Charge coffers. So hats off to Rhino Charge and the excellent work this organisation has undertaken over the years. It has also been great fun for everyone involved.
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Rough and tough Down and dirty