Kilimanjaro Marathon – March 2019
Kilimanjaro Marathon is one of the most spectacular marathons that can be run in East Africa. The event takes place in the town of Moshi in Tanzania every year at the end of February/beginning of March. This year, the event is taking place on the 3rd of March, 2019. Over the years, the marathon event has attracted participants from over 40 countries across the world. The event attracts a range of runners from all ages, sizes and fitness levels, with various races available to suit everyone. From the full marathon (42.2km), fun run (5km) and half marathon (21.2km) as well as a wheelchair race.
Kilimanjaro Marathon
What to expect from the Kilimanjaro Marathon
For starters, you should expect to see ‘’Kili’’ in all its form and glory. Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain standing at a cool 5,895 meters on the south of the equator in Tanzania. The very presence of the mountain dominates the whole area where the race happens and this is an iconic sight to see and behold. The huge permanent glaciers flowing down the mountain from the summit may inspire you to keep up with the race.
The race has been set up to promote marathons in Tanzania and thus has the support of the Tanzanian Tourism Board, the Tanzania Amateur Athletics Association, the IAAF, and is registered with AIMS. The Marathon distances are 42.2 km for the full marathon, 21.1km for the half marathon and 5km for the Fun Run.
The Marathon runs through Moshi town to Dar es Salaam and the route passes through many villages, banana and coffee plantations, parts of town and small farms which make the route topography exciting. It attracts a good number of spectators out to witness and cheer; and they are friendly and supportive, which is good motivation to keep running. There are regular water tables and sponging points along the entire route to cool off and refresh the runners throughout the race.
The Marathon Race
The route starts at Moshi stadium, heads towards Moshi town then along the main road to Dar es Salaam. Thereafter you track down back to Moshi town then head up toward the mountain and scale up towards Mweka and then to the downhill section towards the stadium which marks the last section of the race. Kilimanjaro Marathon Club, the members of both the Tanzania Amateur Athletics Association (TAAA) and the local Kilimanjaro Amateur Athletics Association (KAAA) run the logistics of the whole race.
All entries close on 7th February when capacity is reached and no entries are accepted on race day so it’s best to register early. They have a discounted season on the entry fees before 7th January 2018 after which one pays the full amount. The charges range from $100 for international runners for a full marathon, $85 for half marathon and $3 for the fun run. Local Tanzanian residents pay $80 for a full marathon, a discounted $45 for the half marathon and Tsh 5,000 for the fun run. Tanzanian and East African citizens pay Tsh 20,000 for the full marathon, TZS 20,000 for the half marathon and TZS 5,000 for the 5km fun run.
The minimum age for the full marathon is 21 years, 18 years for the half marathon and 10 years for the fun run.
How to Register for Kilimanjaro Marathon – March 2019
Registration can be done and paid for via their website where you will also be able to get more information on pick up points and what to bring when collecting your race numbers. One of the things you should bring along to the collection and pick-up points is your passport or proof of identity. An interactive route map is available on their website so you get a feel of the route. The race is backed up by local organizations and medical assistance is provided for the participants. Crowd and traffic control are looked into as well as communications.
Official timekeeping is arranged so as to inform on personal timings of runners as well as for the top finishers. While the 2019 prize money and medals are to be confirmed, the precedent has been that there is an official prize giving and function that will be attended by local dignitaries.
Whether you like the outdoors or you are an active recreational runner, this is the time to go break a sweat and test your limits on this 17th edition of Kilimanjaro Marathon. You’ll also get to interact with people from all over the globe on the backdrop of the iconic Mt. Kilimanjaro.
