Why Run the Kilimanjaro Marathon

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About the Race

WHY RUN IT?

The Kilimanjaro Marathon takes on a special significance for those who venture to its summit before or after the race. Climb before and you’ll be looking at the summit mid-race, thinking how you were just up there the week before. Climb after and you’ll be wondering how it’ll feel standing on the roof of Africa, hoping your legs will carry you up after the long run. Either way, you’ll have plenty of views of the mountain on the course if the weather is good. The second half heads straight up towards the mountain for 6.5 miles, before a long descent all the way to the finish.

“When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too.”

- Paulo Coelho

If you’re going all the way to East Africa for the race, might as well stay and explore a bit. Besides a safari in the Ngorongoro Crater and sailing on dhows in Zanzibar, there are also plenty of adventures to be had in neighboring Kenya. Whether you visit the Maasai Mara, go skydiving in Diani Beach, or party in Nairobi, you’re sure to be glad you extended the trip.