A 33-mile round-trip run up 15,177 feet, through jungle, beyond glaciers, and past clouds to the highest point in Africa – then back down again. It takes the average trekker seven days. But some of the world’s toughest athletes, like Kilian Jornet and Karl Egloff, did it in around seven hours and set records for the fastest ascent and descent on Kilimanjaro.

Here’s how it all went down.

Finding a Racecourse on Kilimanjaro

The last three Kilimanjaro ascent and descent records have used the same strategies – a direct ascent up the Umbwe route, the most challenging option, followed by a speedy run down Mweka, the designated Kilimanjaro descent route.

Luckily, Mount Kilimanjaro requires no technical climbing skills or gear – just steep trails and strong legs. The record-setters reached the summit with minimal equipment, even forgoing heavy jackets in favor of lightweight running gear and shorts.

Fighting Up the Mountain

The cold isn’t the biggest challenge for these skyrunners. Instead, their main obstacles are altitude and the sheer physical toll of racing up a mountain as fast as possible.

As for endurance, these athletes are among the toughest on the planet. Last year, while running the 100.5-mile Hardrock 100, Jornet dislocated his shoulder 13 miles into the race. But he still ran the remaining 87 miles to win his fourth Hardrock 100 title.

Jornet’s training regimen is intense – a minimum of 700 to 1200 hours per year. That’s at least 2 to 3 hours every day, without fail.

Altitude is no joke, even for elite skyrunners. Both Jornet and Egloff spent their lives climbing mountains and perfecting their acclimatization techniques. Still, even they had to pause near Kilimanjaro’s summit to catch their breath. Jornet later called it “difficult,” and for good reason.

In short, racing up Kilimanjaro isn’t a “walk in the park” – except sometimes it literally is.

Who Holds Kilimanjaro’s Fastest Known Time?

Egloff bested Jornet’s record by 32 minutes, climbing up and down Kilimanjaro in just 6 hours and 42 minutes.

Six months later, he repeated the feat, snatching the ascent-descent record from Jornet again on Aconcagua (22,837 feet).

Still, Jornet’s accomplishments are legendary. He holds multiple world records and was named 2018 Adventurer of the Year by National Geographic, notably for summiting Mount Everest twice in just over five days – without oxygen or support.

And despite the competition, Jornet and Egloff enjoy a friendly rivalry.

Make Way for Maciel and Madsen

More recently, skyrunner Fernanda Maciel set the fastest female ascent-descent record on Kilimanjaro, racing up Umbwe and down to Mweka Gate in just 10 hours and 6 minutes in 2017.

But just a few months later, Kristina Schou Madsen smashed Maciel’s ascent record. She switched strategies, running up the Mweka route in 6 hours and 53 minutes – shaving 15 minutes off Maciel’s ascent time of 7 hours and 8 minutes.

That was on February 23, 2018. Time will tell if another contender takes on Kilimanjaro’s speed record this year.

Ready to Conquer Kilimanjaro?

Whether you’re inspired by record-setting athletes or just looking for an unforgettable adventure, I Artist Adventure is here to make it happen. We offer expertly guided Kilimanjaro treks, combining the challenge of the mountain with the wonders of Tanzania’s landscapes and culture.

Book your adventure with I Artist Adventure today and experience Kilimanjaro like never before!