Three top runners at the Mole National Park have been awarded prizes to mark this year's World Rangers Day.

The prizes include unique safari packages from the Zaina Lodge.

The fitness exercise brought together 73 staff from the three ranges as well as the Park headquarters.

From the Park headquarters range, Abdul-Kareem Haku emerged winner of the 4 km run in 20 minutes 12 seconds while Obed Chonga finished 20 minutes and 35 seconds.

Thomas Adam won the third position.

The park rangers celebrated the annual event with a 4km run and fitness exercise.

The Rangers are at the forefront of the struggle to protect the country's natural heritage.

World Rangers Day, therefore, offers a unique opportunity to showcase and support the work of park rangers, from environmental campaigning to park protection and education.

The Day is also an important opportunity to pay tribute to rangers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Park Manager Ali Mahama gave a congratulatory speech on behalf of the Executive Director of the Wildlife Division to encourage staff to continue to give off their best.

The General Manager of Zaina Lodge spent time out of his busy schedule to monitor the exercise.

Andrew Kuria was excited about the event and pledged Zaina Lodge's support for rangers anytime.

World Ranger Day was established by the International Ranger Federation (IRF) and took place for the first time in 2007.

The date represented the 15th anniversary of when the IRF was founded in 1992.

It’s estimated there are over 100,000 reserves, parks and protected areas around the world.

Statistics show that park rangers are more exposed to dangers than ever before. Assaults on park rangers are at a record high.