Able to stage up your path operating recreation whereas checking off a bucket-list journey? The inaugural Kilimanjaro Peak Extremely (KPU), set to debut in October 2025, is a race that can problem runners to overcome Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, and descend to inform the story.
Scaling Mount Kilimanjaro is a life-long dream for a lot of outside fanatics. As one of many Seven Summits and the tallest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro reaches 5,895 metres of elevation at its peak, and the KPU could have runners climbing and descending 4,100m of that elevation over 68km.
The KPU takes runners alongside the Marangu Route, which is the most well-liked path for climbers. Beginning at Marangu Gate, runners sort out three checkpoints—Mandara Hut (2,720m), Horombo Hut (3,720m) and Kibo Hut (4,700m)—earlier than reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m). From there, it’s a high-stakes descent again to the place to begin, testing velocity and endurance whereas difficult runners to combat fatigue and concentrate on each step.
The actual problem: altitude
Whereas the KPU course itself is runnable and full of flowy trails, the true beast of the KPU is altitude. With the summit reaching practically 6,000m, runners should battle skinny air, potential altitude illness and exhaustion. The part from Kibo Hut (4,700m) to Gillman’s Level (5,685m) and Stella Level (5,756m) will demand further grit and willpower as individuals push via the problem of utmost elevation.
A journey via Kilimanjaro’s ecosystems
The race route is greater than only a bodily problem; will probably be a tour via among the planet’s most numerous landscapes. Runners will traverse 5 distinct ecological zones: from the cultivated farmland on the mountain’s base to dense rainforests, otherworldly moorlands, barren alpine deserts, and, lastly, the icy summit. Few races on the earth can supply such a dramatic vary of surroundings in simply sooner or later.
Trying to get some altitude coaching earlier than race day? For these with a bit extra time and a way of journey, a guided trek up Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak at 4,566m, presents a four-day climbing and descending problem. If you happen to’re hoping to discover past the paths, there are alternatives to increase your journey with safaris or visits to native landmarks.
KPU is placed on by Plan B Occasion Firm, which already hosts a wide range of stage races and epic ultras, together with the Salomon Zugspitz Ultratrail (number of distances) in Germany and the Trans Rockies Run within the Colorado Rockies.
Official registration for the KPU will begin on Jan. 1, 2025, with the inaugural version of the race set for Oct. 2025. To study extra, head right here.
