Halfway up a long hill in the Kenyan wilderness, a photographer pointed towards the bush. Just 20 metres (66 feet) away, a hyena was running through the undergrowth, chasing its prey.
It was exhilarating – and a little terrifying.
I was taking part in Beyond the Ultimate’s For Rangers Ultra, a five-day, 230km (143-mile) race through five Kenyan wildlife conservancies, where encounters like this were all part of the unique experience.
Armed rangers were stationed around 300 metres apart along the course, with additional lookouts on hilltops and a helicopter surveying the route. They monitored the animals and stopped runners when necessary, moving elephants away from the route with commands or vehicles. The helicopter also helped move big cats away from the runners.