Just in case you missed the countdown that was on this website, the Kilimanjaro Marathon is over for another year! As always, it was a fabulous success, with people coming from around Africa (as well as other continents) to participate. 

What is the Kili Marathon all about? 

Conceptualized in 2002, the Kili Marathon was dreamt up by the Wild Frontiers team as a means to bring tourism into Tanzania; enticing athletes who would go on to explore the natural wonders of East Africa. The first year of running (2003) saw a group of 300-400 runners participate across the 42km, 21km and 10km races, and sparking interest from local communities and companies. 

Now, 16 years later, the race is internationally recognized and attracts up to 12,000 runners across all races each year. Without fail, participants comment positively on the hum of energy, and both the challenge and privilege of running through the foothills of Africa’s tallest mountain.  

Recognised with an International Measurement Certificate, the Kilimanjaro Marathon is recognised as a qualifier for Comrades and is certified by AIMS and IAAF. This may mean that by entering this marathon, you qualify for others in your area.

Is the course hard? 

I don’t know if there is anyone out there who says that a half marathon (or a full one, for that matter) is by any stretch EASY, but certainly I have been told that the Kilimanjaro one is particularly challenging. The 21km starts with the first 8 to 9km more or less uphill the entire way, covering both paved and rough roads through the villages and coffee and plantations. The gradient of the first half is relatively steep, gaining 250m over 8km. This long uphill takes its toll on many runners, with hundreds of people walking more than half of the uphill stretch. 

After the turnaround point at around 8.5km, there is a long, steep downhill run back to the finish line, offering an appreciated respite from the constant elevation. Personally, I enjoy the second half of the run much more than the first, and regularly find the downhill is where I make up the most time. However, for many runners the pressure on the toes and knees can be challenging, with numerous runners, myself included, coming away with blackened toenails. 

Weren’t you raising money for a charity? 

If you follow my twitter feed at all, you will know that I was raising money for the African Rainforest Conservancy, and that with the help of family and friends, was able to raise $125. Every single cent counts when fundraising, and I am confident that the funds will be utilized effectively by the ARC. 

What was my time for the run? 

This year was not my best run, completing the 21km in 2:42min; just a shy bit slower than last year’s 2:36. But, as I say with just about each and every race I enter, I’m happy to have just participated.  Next year I’ll be itching to beat myself again.