The Kilimanjaro Stage Run—160 Miles around the Roof of Africa
In October, 2012, a group of ten international ultra runners became the first people to run a complete circuit around Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro—the tallest mountain in Africa. Led by Guinness World Record holder Simon Mtuy, these ultra runners spent 8 days running over 160 miles of some of the most varied terrain they’d ever encountered—deep mountain ridges and valleys, lush rainforests and the arid Maasai Plain. Views of majestic Mount Kilimanjaro welcomed them at every turn.
Participants in the Kilimanjaro Stage Run run on dirt roads that pass through small, rural Tanzanian villages and narrow mountain foot paths that have been used by indigenous Chagga people for thousands of years. Don’t be surprised if you don’t see any other tourists during the eight days of the Kilimanjaro Stage Run—you are far off the beaten path and deep in prime trail running country.
Although running 20-40K a day at altitudes of up to 2,000 meters for eight days is exhausting, the runners reported that they were perpetually cheered by smiles and words of encouragement of the friendly Tanzanians that they passed along the way. Children would stop their work in the fields to run alongside them for a mile, dozens of children sang to them upon their arrival at “school hut” camp, Maasai warriors even stopped for a photo op with female ultra running legend Krissy Moehl, a participant in the 2012 Kilimanjaro Stage Run. Although trail races are held all over the world, few include as much cultural immersion as the Kilimanjaro Stage Run!
The 2013 Kilimanjaro Stage Run will be held October 19-29; applications are still being accepted from participants with ultra running experience. The Kilimanjaro Stage Run is an all-inclusive, fully supported multi-day event. A support vehicle offers rehydration and snacks to refresh the runners along the trail, and all lodging, transportation and meals are provided.
In addition to being a world-class runner, Simon Mtuy also owns a Tanzanian adventure travel company called Summit Expeditions & Nomadic Experience, so all runners will be well provided for by his committed staff of cooks, drivers and guides. Participants will stay at the tranquil guest houses at Simon’s ancestral family farm at 1,900 meters on Mount Kilimanjaro before and after the eight day run. The completion of the Kilimanjaro Stage Run will be celebrated with a refreshing swim in the cold and clear Moonjo River followed by hot showers, a feast and a party.
For more information about the Kilimanjaro Stage Run, please visit the website, our Facebook page or email [email protected].
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