Situated south of the equator – in Tanzania – at 5,895 metres, this is Africa’s highest mountain and the highest free standing mountain in the world (as it is not part of a mountain range). Huge permanent glaciers flow down from the summit, and the sheer presence of this huge mountain dominates the entire area. An icon in Africa, “Kili“ as she is affectionately known, is one of the sights every person should see at least once in his or her life.
Every year, at the end of February/beginning March, a standard 42.2 km marathon, a 21.1 km half marathon and a 5 km fun run will be held in the town of Moshi, Tanzania. This race has been set up to promote the sport in Tanzania, and has the official backing of the Tanzania Tourist Board, the Tanzania Amateur Athletics Association, the IAAF, and is registered with AIMS.
The marathon route leaves Moshi stadium and heads down towards the town, and then along the main road to Dar es Salaam for approximately 8-9 km. This section of the route is relatively flat, and there are plenty of spectators and well-wishers along the road. We turn around and head back to the town of Moshi, tracking down into the actual town itself before turning toward the mountain and heading up a long, steady ascent towards Mweka. The uphill climb is gradual, but with Kilimanjaro towering above and all the local villagers out to cheer you on, the time passes quickly. The turnaround point marks approximately 32 km and the last section is a fast downhill run back toward the stadium. Regular water tables as well as ‘sponging points’ and the odd ‘shower’ keep the runners refreshed and cool along the entire route.
The route passes through many smallholding farms, villages, parts of town, banana and coffee plantations and patches of forest, providing great excitement to the residents who give ample vocal support.
For those running the half marathon, the route also starts at the Moshi stadium and after a short, flat section, it follows the gradual uphill route to Mweka as per the full marathon – before turning around at approx 10 km to return to the stadium again. The atmosphere in the stadium is electric with local bands playing, entertainment, crowds of local enthusiasts to cheer the runners, and lots of refreshments for sale. There will also be a 5 km fun run.
The logistics of the operation are run by the Kilimanjaro Marathon Club and the members of both the Tanzania Amateur Athletics Association (TAAA) and the local Kilimanjaro Amateur Athletics Association (KAAA).
The Kilimanjaro International Marathon may also be used as a qualifier for the Comrades Marathon.
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It's Tough
First, this should be a called a "Trail" run, as it seems 20 of the 26 miles is off road with extreme undulating elevation, and you're already at over 2000' … MORE
First, this should be a called a “Trail” run, as it seems 20 of the 26 miles is off road with extreme undulating elevation, and you’re already at over 2000′ elevation! It’s been a while since I’ve lost a toenail, but I’m losing both big toenails real soon, a small percentage of this could be attributed to my shoes not being 100% broken in yet, but most of this comes from the hilliness and off-road part, I just wasn’t prepared or expected it. The traffic was mostly controlled until the last couple miles as you come back into the town, it was a real life game of “Frogger”.
The Medal is decent, but when I see no year on a medal it tells me something about the marathon.. I think this marathon has been around 20 years, I can only imagine and understand the growing pains of putting on such an event.
I saw 3 porta-potties at the marathon start (the 1/2 marathon started at a different location, and it seems to be way more popular and promoted then the full) and no other porta-potties along the route, but plenty of “natural” places to visit along the path. A very polite, happy, proud and respectful country.. I’m glad I did this and am kind of glad I didn’t know how hard it would be going into it, ignorance is bliss, my happy place.