A WEST Devon university graduate is embarking on a challenge with a difference next month — a half-marathon run inside an African game park.
Karen Mitchell from Bere Ferrers, who has just graduated from Southampton University with a degree in environmental science, is hoping to raise money for wildlife conservation and community projects.
The race will take place at the end of August in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in the north of Kenya.
Karen, 21, said: 'I will be running alongside international olympic runners, local Maasi and Samburu communities and people from Save the Rhino International, who will be wearing rhino costumes!
'In addition to the distance, I will have to contend with an altitude of 5,000 feet, considerable heat and possibly wild animals.'
Karen will give all the money she makes in sponsorship from the event to the Tusk Trust.
The UK-based charity supports conservation of African wildlife. It also contributes to a wide range of schemes including maintenance of anti-poaching patrols, various educational programmes and eco-tourism projects in the Lewa area.
'The trust places great emphasis on encouraging, enabling and educating the local community to value eco-tourism as a greater revenue generator than the illegal sale of ivory,' said Karen.
She said the half-marathon would be a 'real challenge' as she only took up running in January, but she is determined to complete the race.
'I have spent a lot of time in Kenya in the past — this is a fantastic opportunity to help towards the preservation of wildlife reserves for future generations, that I have had the privilege of seeing for myself,' said Karen.
The other challenge Karen faces is the £1,000 target she has to raise for the trust.
Anyone who would like to help Karen and contribute towards the important work of the Tusk Trust should contact her at Glyn Cottage, Bere Ferrers, Yelverton, Devon PL20 7JL. Phone 01822 841086, or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]