The Course

The Kilimanjaro Marathon is run between 830m and 1150m altitude and on good, tarred roads

The 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.

You turn around and head back to the town of Moshi, 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 route then turns west through a lovely forest area before turning south for 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, banana and coffee plantations and patches of forest, providing great excitement to the residents who give ample vocal support.

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For those running the Kilimanjaro 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 towards 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 food and drink for sale.

Minimum age for the Kilimanjaro Marathon is 20 years and 18 years for the Half Marathon. 

There is also a 5 km fun run for all ages