The "Heavy Lifting" for Conservation: Edward Ndiritu Conquers London in 10kg Rhino Suit

For most runners, the 26.2-mile journey from Greenwich to The Mall is hard enough in lightweight gear. For Edward Ndiritu, the mission required a different kind of strength. On Sunday, April 26, 2026, the veteran ranger traded his boots for running shoes—and a massive, heat-trapping rhino suit—to raise vital funds for Save the Rhino International.

A Ranger’s Resilience
​Ndiritu is no stranger to the frontlines. Since 2012, he has led the anti-poaching unit at Lewa, maintaining a remarkable record of zero rhinos poached under his tenure. His run in London was a symbolic extension of that work, representing the “heavy load” rangers carry every day in the wild.

The 10kg (22 lbs) costume is notoriously difficult to manage, acting like a furnace that tests both physical endurance and mental fortitude. Despite the weight and the rising afternoon heat, Edward powered through the entire course, drawing some of the loudest cheers from the London crowds.

The 75% Milestone
​The marathon may be over, but the fundraising “finish line” is still in sight. Edward’s heroic effort has propelled the campaign to a critical juncture:
​The Goal: £15,000 (Approx. KSh 2.5 Million)
​Current Total: £11,300
​Remaining: £3,700 (25% left to go)
​The funds are earmarked for critical conservation infrastructure, including ranger welfare and tracking technology to protect the 14% of Kenya’s rhino population that lives within the Lewa-Borana landscape.

A Community of “Rhino Boy” Legacies
​Edward was part of a “crash" of 39 runners representing Save the Rhino this year, including the legendary “Rhino Boy” Chris Green, who completed his 200th marathon. While Guinness World Records were being chased by others in the suit, Edward’s focus remained firmly on the savannah back home.

​”More than a million rangers around the world walk many miles in remote and harsh environments every single day. By taking on the London Marathon in this suit, I can bring visibility to the men and women consistently shouldering the load.” — Edward Ndiritu

How to Support
​If you want to help Edward “carry the cause” the rest of the way, you can donate via his official fundraising page:Edward Ndiritu’s London Marathon Fundraiser