By Karanja Njoroge

It is a rare event, where the only spectators are wild animals. Should anything happen to any of the participants mid-course, the quickest first-aid ‘assistant’ might be a hyena or a buffalo.

The Cycle with the Rhinos event, held annually on a circuit inside Lake Nakuru National Park, is a test of both endurance and nerve, to raise money for a noble cause.

No spectators

Cyclists who took part during the weekend raced with no spectators, save for buffalos, zebras, antelopes, rhinos, tree-climbing lions and other wild audience.

Participants line up at the start of the event and, inset, John Njenga wins the race. Photo: Boniface Thuku /Standard

Some rhinos occasionally raised their heads from grazing, startled by either smell or strange movement.

The park was a beehive of activity as young and old entrants cycled across breath-taking scenery while tourists and funs waited at the start-finish point of the 67 km race.

To ensure animals would not attend to emergencies, medical and security personnel trailed the participants as some of the spectators watched from safari vans.

The proceeds from the event are used for community projects and to complete a baboon-proof electric around the park.

According to the Senior Warden in charge of the Park Ms Lydia Kisoyan, the proposed 74Km fence is an expensive undertaking that will cost Sh1.2 million for each kilometre.

Kisoyan said, once complete, the fence will reduce the human-wildlife conflict reported by people living near the park.

Around the park scenes of monkeys scaling the now obsolete fence and into roaming in neighbouring farms and homes are common.

The event is organised by Friends of Lake Nakuru that invites sponsors. Among the key sponsors this year were Sarova Hotels and Standard Chattered.

The organisers say last year when Sh8.6 million was raised was a huge success.

During this year’s event Sh7.5 million was raised in the race won by 23-year-old John Njenga who beat 44 other participants in the gruelling course.

After the race the participants could not hide their excitement on finishing despite the threat of animals, which came their way at some points.

A bit scary

"There was a buffalo on my way as I climbed a hill and the experience was a bit scary though exciting," Njenga said.

The cyclist who hails from the African Athletics Club in Eldoret said the rough terrain around the park made the race even more challenging.

As they approached the finishing line the cyclists and spectators were treated to pulsating beats by a group of traditional dancers.

Since the initial race in 2003, conservation efforts have improved along with the park’s infrastructure and ongoing community relations.

Kisoyan says when the older fence has become obsolete due to animals especially baboons, scaling it.

"In parts where the new fence has been put up it is difficult for the animals to burrow and get out," she adds.

The Chairman of the Park Action Committee Mr Joseph Muya says proceeds from last year’s event were used to rehabilitate 15km of the fence.

The Lake is among conservation areas, which have come under considerable threat in the wake of the destruction of the Mau Forest.

Sponsoring event

Forestry and Wildlife Minister who was the Chief Guest during the event on Saturday appealed to other corporate organisations to join in sponsoring the event."

"Conservation is becoming an issue of major collaboration and companies should take advantage," Wekesa added.

According to Kenya Wildlife Service Director Dr Julius Kipng’etich the name ‘Rhino’ for the event is significant.

‘With 850 rhinos Kenya, we have the third highest number of the species in the world but we need to conserve it so that future generations can get a chance to see them," Kipng’etich said.

The KWS boss said the loss of rhinos in the world has been alarming with 162 dying in South Africa and 100 in Zimbabwe in the last one year.

"By erecting the fence we will be ensuring protection of the rhinos from poachers," he added.

Kipng’etich said Lake Nakuru is key to the protection of the rhino as the park has more rhinos than other all the East African states combined.

The straying of animals into the Nakuru Nairobi highway has sometimes had grave consequences with a number people dying through road accidents.

This year alone about 21 people have reportedly died along the Mbaruk section on the Highway after being obstructed by straying animals. The animals are not necessary from the park as others hail from the neighbouring ranches.