Finally, the most challenging race ever, running from the base to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro in the world’s highest Vertical Kilometre marathon coming up in May.
All the roads and flights will thus be leading to Moshi, Tanzania where the altitude racing event being branded as the world’s ‘Ultra Marathon,’ slated for May 9, 2022, is set to take place, aiming for Africa’s highest summit.
The events will be sanctioned by the International Skyrunning Federation, the governing body for high altitude mountain running, which now adds Kilimanjaro summit to a long list of incredible records.
In fact this report comes from Skyrunning Federation’s global release.
Mount Kilimanjaro, a dormant volcano, the world’s highest free-standing Mountain, reaching 5,895 meters on Uhuru Peak. It also is the tallest in Africa and the Eastern Hemisphere.
The races are organised by World’s Highest Marathon owned by E P Global Events Limited.
During the week-long contest of ascent and acclimatisation, the participants will take on one, two or all three races on the last day. On reaching 4,895 meters height, the events kick off with the World’s Highest Vertical Kilometer, a lung busting 3.5 Kilometers with 1,000 meters vertical climb to the summit of Uhuru Peak, at 5,895 meters.
From there, those attempting the World’s Highest Marathon will continue on down. The total distance amounts to 42.2 kilometers with 1,836 meters vertical climb. From the summit, the downhill is a gruelling 3,700 meters.
Participants will complete another 11.4 kilometers to finish after 53.6 kilometers. The total descent of this race is a jaw-dropping 4,800 meters. This is the first time in mountain running history that such an arduous attempt will take place at this altitude.
“The effects of altitude up to 5,895 meters your throat, legs and lungs start to pack their bags and desert you.”
“The effects of cold air, the dust, lack of oxygen, and all of the typical mountain weather elements suddenly add another layer of challenge on top,” says Dave Pickles, the co-founder and Director of World’s Highest Marathon.
He has impressive experience counts leading groups of over 3,000 people, world record breaking events on Kilimanjaro and 59 summits.
“This event will be truly remarkable, not only breaking world records, but also being the first ever of its kind officially endorsed and recognised by the Tanzania National Park authorities, the Minister of Tourism and the International Skyrunning Federation.”
“The locals will benefit socio-economically with direct local crew employment and we will also pick up all litter we find on the way to preserve the natural beauty of the mountain. It is a real pleasure and honour to be hosted by such a great Country and the people of Tanzania,” he concluded.
On his part, Rob Edmond, another co-founder and Director of World’s Highest Marathon, believes the Kilimanjaro ascending race will be event like no other and will see world class accomplished runners feel the bite of extreme altitude, whilst running up and down Mt Kilimanjaro.
“Running up to 5,895 meters in a Vertical Kilometre and then adding an Ultra Marathon will definitely see the field thin out and see who’s got what it takes to be a world record holder. Completing the course is the aim and regardless of winning, it will be simply incredible for all that finish,” he cautioned.
“We are delighted to have partnered with the International Skyrunning Federation and look forward to many more mind-blowing world record breaking events with them,” he added.
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