FKT: Patrick Scheel - Kilimanjaro Summit Circuit - 2022-07-22

Athletes
Route variation
Standard route
Multi-sport
No
Gender category
Male
Style
Unsupported
Start date
Finish date
Total time
16h 6m 31s
Report

We started at Kibo Hut around 4AM. Marcel Sarwat, local guide and elite marathon runner, joined me throughout the entire circuit. The temperature at the summit was about -17°C, but rose to about 15°C when we descended to 4,000 MASL and the sun came out. It was a clear day without any clouds. The views were incredible and indescribable.

There were hundreds of tourists summiting Uhuru Peak at dawn, and even thousands along the entire circuit counting all the guides, cooks, and porters. Some narrow sections were tricky to run with many people going up/down and moving very slowly.

Along the entire circuit there were only a few running streams to replenish water (maybe only 3-4), as most of them were already completely dry due to the season. There are many campsites along the way, but it is not possible to resupply food at any of them, so all the food supplies must be carried by yourself. I carried a couple of energy bars and some solid food.

We did the circuit clockwise, starting with Uhuru Peak and summiting in 3h 09m (from Kibo Hut), we then finished back at Kibo Hut after the full circuit around the Kilimanjaro in a total elapsed time of 16h 06m 31s.

Instagram Video: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cmsz7S7NKrf/