The 11th annual Hog Charge event has raised an astounding Ksh 3, 252,897m for the Rhino Ark Aberdare Fence.

Held at the Kahawa Sukari Ranch, Ruiru, on Sunday 18th January, the annual bike event attracted a record breaking 97 teams from over 15 schools. Children from different schools participated in this event and hundreds of supportive parents and friends attended.

Kenton College emerged the highest fund raisers with a whopping Ksh 821,433, They were followed by Pembroke House with a total of Ksh 560,320. Hosts Peponi Secondary School were third with Ksh 459,896.

The Tanz-Manian Devils from Kenton College raised Ksh 251,500 the highest single team sponsorship. They were followed by the Deadly Dumas from Peponi House Preparatory School who raised Ksh 104,220. In third place was Watu wa Baiskeli from Pembroke House who raised Ksh 92,950.

Pembroke House emerged the best control sponsor, while the Barbarian Lamas bagged the Spirit of the Award trophy.

Commented Colin Church, Chairman of Rhino Ark Management Committee at prize-giving: “Special congratulations to the events main organisers -Rhino Charge Car 35, Peponi School for hosting and Brookside Dairies for sponsoring this event. The real winners are all the teams which entered this now keenly attended and competed for event in the school's calendar each year. All you determined, cheerful and hardworking kids each year make this fund-raising event a great success. I would like to assure everyone that Rhino Ark is committed to supporting initiatives to conserve our vital forests and specifically the Aberdares"

Mr Church disclosed that the fence would be finally completed by October this year totalling 400 kms - the worlds' longest wildlife management fence. He said that he hoped Hog Chargers would participate in the plans being formed for the schools adjoining the Aberdare fence in a celebration relay race at the commissioning ceremony planned for the end of this year. It would take place on the fence line.

There were further plans too for a drive past of Rhino Charge cars at the event. He said more details would be released about the event later in the year.

The Hog Charge has to date raised over Ksh 18 million for Rhino Ark since the first event in 1998.