Marathon Details - Kilimanjaro Marathon

International Marathons > Tanzania > Moshi > Kilimanjaro Marathon

Kilimanjaro Marathon & Half Marathon, 5K

Moshi, Tanzania

February 25, 2024

http://www.kilimanjaromarathon.com

More Info:	News
Results:	Top 3 Finishers by Year

Contact

Name:	Wild Frontiers (Pty) Ltd
Address:	Registered Member of SATOA (SA Tour Operators Association), SATSA and TATO P.O. Box 844 Halfway House 1685 South Africa
Phone Number:	+27 011 702 2035 or +27 (0) 72 927 7529
Fax Number:	+27 (0) 86 689 6759
Email:	Email the organizers



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Reviews

Course 4.0

Organization 4.2

Spectators 4.1

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Number of comments: 15 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

A. L. from Nairobi, Kenya (11/19/2019) "Could be much better" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Kilimanjaro Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 This is not a mountain race! Don't be scared. The first half is an out-and-back pan-flat route on a closed road. A few hills on the second half but nothing very challenging. Some dirt roads that could be messy if it rains (it did) but a road shoe is fine for the conditions. Generally no one in the community is very interested in the race so don't expect any encouragement en route. The finish is AWFUL! For the last 3km, finishers of the half are walking back along the road and DO NOT give way to runners. This is consistent with the general demeanour of runners and administration that runners are a burden to the race. The last km along the narrow path is the so congested with rude people walking towards you that it is impossible to maintain a stride to the finish. The only reasons to do this race is that it is nearby where you live, you happen to be in the area, or you want a t-shirt with the name at the race to wear around the expo of a European/ North American race. It is NOT an adventure and a genuinely mentally taxing finish (beyond that of a just finishing a marathon).
r. m. from Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania (9/5/2014) "Getting better" (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons \| 2 Kilimanjaro Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran this race (21km) second time this year. The new route is good, organisation was excellent! Even the 'medal problem' of the last year have been addressed. I have heard the complaints from the slower runners that the roads were opened before they've finished, but apart from that there was no problem. More entertainment after the race perhaps?
T. T. from Adelaide, Australia (3/21/2013) "A hot, fun run!" (about: 2013) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Kilimanjaro Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I had a great time running this marathon. It was a hot day, but the sky was clear, and watching the sun start to touch the snowy peak of Mt Kili as we were assembling is a memory I will treasure forever. The music was almost painfully loud during this time- but you can ignore it. Take your own toilet paper to use in the washrooms - none was provided in the facility I used pre race, but there was plenty around post race. The in and out course allows for the unusual opportunity to see all the race leaders as they stream past in the opposite direction. Unfortunately for us mid-pack runners, the roads are opened up again after the fleet footed are through, so the last 5 or 6 km in particular was tough going for me - dodging buses and people going about their normal sunday morning routine. Until that point, and especially in the first couple of hours, the crowds were lovely, mostly quiet on the side of the road, but if you called, waved or high fived them, there were lots of cheers and laughter. It is not a big race, but is IAAF sanctioned, and is a great excuse to travel to a different corner of the world. I took my family (husband, kids aged 8,9,10, and mother) and entered them all in the 5km fun run. Apparently this year there was an issue at the end of the 21k run, and they ran out of goodie bags for the 5k as well. The marshalls seemed to be losing interest when I finished - it was hard to spot them as I entered the stadium, difficult to tell where to go to get to the finish, and in fact the marshall was blocking the only sign indicating which shute to run up to finish. But, 'this is Africa'. You get used to that. I had a ball :)
r. m. from moshi, tanzania (3/4/2013) "You have to fight to get a finishers medal!" (about: 2013) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Kilimanjaro Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 First time to run this race, I did 21km. The registration was ok, race started on time and all preparations were ok. The race itself was tough especially the first 10k until you reach a turning point. The spectators were not very cheerful but not bad also. The only activity the organizers totally failed to address was the giving the finishers medal. It was chaos and organizers did nothing to address the situation other than calling in policemen with batons to chase away the runners. It was hard to get a medal than to run a half marathon
r. S. from Dar es Salaam (4/17/2012) "Great race!" (about: 2012) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 The organisaton of this marathon is OK but few improvements should be done, especially on handling traffick along the route. Also the 5k runners should use a separate entrance to the stadium or finish outside the stadium.
J. L. from New York, NY (3/5/2012) "Well done!" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Kilimanjaro Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran this race in 2012 and was very satisfied with the result. Wild Frontiers did a great job given the circumstances. The marathon route goes through most of Moshi town (both the poor areas, town center, and rich neighborhoods.) They don't close the traffic but on Sunday morning, there wasn't that much traffic. If you register through Wild Frontiers, you'll stay at Keys Hotel or Keys Hotel annex. We were already in Tanzania so we just opted to stay at Green Hostel, which is a 5-10 minute walk to the marathon start/finish. Only water and coke is served at water stations so bring your own NUUN or energy tablets. There was an ambulance that gave away bottled water and sugar and there was also a misting station. If you are going to do the half-marathon, you might as well do the full marathon route since the half-marathon route is the same route as the last half of the full marathon. The first half of the marathon is mainly flat and goes throughout the town but the last half (miles 13-20 or 20k-30k) is all UPHILL towards Mweka Gate at the foot of Kili. During this uphill there is a gorgeous view of the mountain (but on the day we did it it was cloudy so we didn't see anything.) The last quarter of the marathon is all downhill :O) Only the first 400 runners received finisher medals and t-shirts. Lucky for us, less than 400 people registered for the marathon. However, several more people register for the 1/2 marathon and 5k fun run. Lots of kids run with you along the way and this was a truly spectacular race. No I didn't get sick from anything they handed out on the race course.
K. P. from New Jersey, USA (3/14/2011) "A very special marathon indeed" (about: 2011) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Kilimanjaro Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon. It's in a developing country and it's a small race, so it's hard to judge it in terms of course and organization. The race is hard; from about mile 11 to 20 you're going all uphill. I walked, a LOT. The course is not closed, so there is plenty of traffic (I almost got clipped by a mini bus). It's hot, dusty, and pretty basic (no porta-potties here!). There is only water for the first half, then Coke and water are on offer with sponges and at least 1 water mister to cool you off. Being your own gels/ energy stuff. I don't think there are any bag drops. However, it's incredible to start a race in full view of the gorgeous Mt. Kilimanjaro. The villagers were fantastic with their support ("Pole, pole sister!"). At one point I had 10 little girls in dresses and sandals running with m, and at another, 12 little boys. It was an incredible race; my only goal was to finish and the fact that I did that, and got a really cool medal, is enough for me. Wild Frontiers, the company who puts it on, organizes hotels and stuff, but I was already traveling to Tanzania so I did it all myself; it was easy enough with a Lonely Planet guidebook. I felt they were good at keeping the runners informed about when to pick up bibs, pay the $60 fee, etc.
S. T. from USA (4/5/2010) "Tough course" (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Kilimanjaro Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Wild Frontiers has a very organized race. The high point was seeing the native African runners in the lead pack, hitting about the 10K mark as we were heading out at about the 5K mark. The first third offered comfortable temperatures and a comfortable route - although the path near Moshi was a bit dull. Nothing I read beforehand had properly prepared me for the long, very hot, relentless uphill climb. I've never walked such a long stretch of a race before - all the while sipping on a huge water bottle. I was so grateful for the bottled water provided along the route. The route did pass by beautiful coffee groves - but it was so hot. Kilimanjaro was visible before dawn, but it didn't appear much during the race. With about 10K to go, the route finally turned back downhill to the finish. I had a PR - my slowest marathon ever - and I was just happy to have finished.
L. F. from Monument, Colorado, USA (4/1/2009) "I was happy to run in Moshi! Well organized race." (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Kilimanjaro Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I liked everything about the Kilimanjaro Marathon. The course layout had two out-and-back segments, which made it fun to see and cheer for each other. On-time start was great because it did warm up; we were lucky that we had cloud cover. I brought my hydration belt with my standard drink powder and gels from home. I used the aid stations for water only. I was relaxed about time and took lots of pictures on the run! Be aware that children will join you during the second half, which is enjoyable, but is also a bit dangerous as some bump elbows and one cut sharply in front of me. Overall, they were charming and excited to support the marathoners. Plus they learn English in school and like to practice. There were long stretches in the first half without spectators, allowing me to enjoy the experience peacefully. It was very congested (cars) at the stadium entrance when I reached the halfway point, and more so when returning to that location for the finish. There are interesting sights throughout the race, with Kilimanjaro visible on the outbound portion of the second half. Post-race: The Wild Frontiers tent was OK. It was more fun to be out in the stadium where there was a breeze. However, lots of vendors were present.
stacey paddock from Dallas, TX (3/18/2009) "Surprisingly well organized and so worth it!" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Kilimanjaro Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I ran this marathon in March 2009 as part of my 7 continent journey and I loved it! I was pleasantly surprised by how well organized it was. It started precisely on time, the KM markers were dead on with my GPS watch, and they had well-manned (plus music!) water stops. The Wild Frontiers package was definitely worth paying for; it ensured that we had a covered tent (plus secure bag drop) at the finish, transportation to and from our hotel and a pasta dinner and early breakfast. The course doesn't serve fluid replacement drinks, so bring your own. The course was scenic, but the highway part (8-18K) had lots of traffic and fumes. However, it's worth slogging through that part to reach the long uphill road with Kili in the distance and then the glorious downhill. The race was hot, but not too humid (I'm from Texas), and a lot of it was shaded. I was well prepared - even after climbing Mt. Kili 2 days before - and loved every minute of it!

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

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A. L. from Nairobi, Kenya (11/19/2019) "Could be much better" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Kilimanjaro Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 This is not a mountain race! Don't be scared. The first half is an out-and-back pan-flat route on a closed road. A few hills on the second half but nothing very challenging. Some dirt roads that could be messy if it rains (it did) but a road shoe is fine for the conditions. Generally no one in the community is very interested in the race so don't expect any encouragement en route. The finish is AWFUL! For the last 3km, finishers of the half are walking back along the road and DO NOT give way to runners. This is consistent with the general demeanour of runners and administration that runners are a burden to the race. The last km along the narrow path is the so congested with rude people walking towards you that it is impossible to maintain a stride to the finish. The only reasons to do this race is that it is nearby where you live, you happen to be in the area, or you want a t-shirt with the name at the race to wear around the expo of a European/ North American race. It is NOT an adventure and a genuinely mentally taxing finish (beyond that of a just finishing a marathon).
r. m. from Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania (9/5/2014) "Getting better" (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons \| 2 Kilimanjaro Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran this race (21km) second time this year. The new route is good, organisation was excellent! Even the 'medal problem' of the last year have been addressed. I have heard the complaints from the slower runners that the roads were opened before they've finished, but apart from that there was no problem. More entertainment after the race perhaps?
T. T. from Adelaide, Australia (3/21/2013) "A hot, fun run!" (about: 2013) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Kilimanjaro Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I had a great time running this marathon. It was a hot day, but the sky was clear, and watching the sun start to touch the snowy peak of Mt Kili as we were assembling is a memory I will treasure forever. The music was almost painfully loud during this time- but you can ignore it. Take your own toilet paper to use in the washrooms - none was provided in the facility I used pre race, but there was plenty around post race. The in and out course allows for the unusual opportunity to see all the race leaders as they stream past in the opposite direction. Unfortunately for us mid-pack runners, the roads are opened up again after the fleet footed are through, so the last 5 or 6 km in particular was tough going for me - dodging buses and people going about their normal sunday morning routine. Until that point, and especially in the first couple of hours, the crowds were lovely, mostly quiet on the side of the road, but if you called, waved or high fived them, there were lots of cheers and laughter. It is not a big race, but is IAAF sanctioned, and is a great excuse to travel to a different corner of the world. I took my family (husband, kids aged 8,9,10, and mother) and entered them all in the 5km fun run. Apparently this year there was an issue at the end of the 21k run, and they ran out of goodie bags for the 5k as well. The marshalls seemed to be losing interest when I finished - it was hard to spot them as I entered the stadium, difficult to tell where to go to get to the finish, and in fact the marshall was blocking the only sign indicating which shute to run up to finish. But, 'this is Africa'. You get used to that. I had a ball :)
r. m. from moshi, tanzania (3/4/2013) "You have to fight to get a finishers medal!" (about: 2013) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Kilimanjaro Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 First time to run this race, I did 21km. The registration was ok, race started on time and all preparations were ok. The race itself was tough especially the first 10k until you reach a turning point. The spectators were not very cheerful but not bad also. The only activity the organizers totally failed to address was the giving the finishers medal. It was chaos and organizers did nothing to address the situation other than calling in policemen with batons to chase away the runners. It was hard to get a medal than to run a half marathon
r. S. from Dar es Salaam (4/17/2012) "Great race!" (about: 2012) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 The organisaton of this marathon is OK but few improvements should be done, especially on handling traffick along the route. Also the 5k runners should use a separate entrance to the stadium or finish outside the stadium.
J. L. from New York, NY (3/5/2012) "Well done!" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Kilimanjaro Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran this race in 2012 and was very satisfied with the result. Wild Frontiers did a great job given the circumstances. The marathon route goes through most of Moshi town (both the poor areas, town center, and rich neighborhoods.) They don't close the traffic but on Sunday morning, there wasn't that much traffic. If you register through Wild Frontiers, you'll stay at Keys Hotel or Keys Hotel annex. We were already in Tanzania so we just opted to stay at Green Hostel, which is a 5-10 minute walk to the marathon start/finish. Only water and coke is served at water stations so bring your own NUUN or energy tablets. There was an ambulance that gave away bottled water and sugar and there was also a misting station. If you are going to do the half-marathon, you might as well do the full marathon route since the half-marathon route is the same route as the last half of the full marathon. The first half of the marathon is mainly flat and goes throughout the town but the last half (miles 13-20 or 20k-30k) is all UPHILL towards Mweka Gate at the foot of Kili. During this uphill there is a gorgeous view of the mountain (but on the day we did it it was cloudy so we didn't see anything.) The last quarter of the marathon is all downhill :O) Only the first 400 runners received finisher medals and t-shirts. Lucky for us, less than 400 people registered for the marathon. However, several more people register for the 1/2 marathon and 5k fun run. Lots of kids run with you along the way and this was a truly spectacular race. No I didn't get sick from anything they handed out on the race course.
K. P. from New Jersey, USA (3/14/2011) "A very special marathon indeed" (about: 2011) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Kilimanjaro Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon. It's in a developing country and it's a small race, so it's hard to judge it in terms of course and organization. The race is hard; from about mile 11 to 20 you're going all uphill. I walked, a LOT. The course is not closed, so there is plenty of traffic (I almost got clipped by a mini bus). It's hot, dusty, and pretty basic (no porta-potties here!). There is only water for the first half, then Coke and water are on offer with sponges and at least 1 water mister to cool you off. Being your own gels/ energy stuff. I don't think there are any bag drops. However, it's incredible to start a race in full view of the gorgeous Mt. Kilimanjaro. The villagers were fantastic with their support ("Pole, pole sister!"). At one point I had 10 little girls in dresses and sandals running with m, and at another, 12 little boys. It was an incredible race; my only goal was to finish and the fact that I did that, and got a really cool medal, is enough for me. Wild Frontiers, the company who puts it on, organizes hotels and stuff, but I was already traveling to Tanzania so I did it all myself; it was easy enough with a Lonely Planet guidebook. I felt they were good at keeping the runners informed about when to pick up bibs, pay the $60 fee, etc.
S. T. from USA (4/5/2010) "Tough course" (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Kilimanjaro Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Wild Frontiers has a very organized race. The high point was seeing the native African runners in the lead pack, hitting about the 10K mark as we were heading out at about the 5K mark. The first third offered comfortable temperatures and a comfortable route - although the path near Moshi was a bit dull. Nothing I read beforehand had properly prepared me for the long, very hot, relentless uphill climb. I've never walked such a long stretch of a race before - all the while sipping on a huge water bottle. I was so grateful for the bottled water provided along the route. The route did pass by beautiful coffee groves - but it was so hot. Kilimanjaro was visible before dawn, but it didn't appear much during the race. With about 10K to go, the route finally turned back downhill to the finish. I had a PR - my slowest marathon ever - and I was just happy to have finished.
L. F. from Monument, Colorado, USA (4/1/2009) "I was happy to run in Moshi! Well organized race." (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Kilimanjaro Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I liked everything about the Kilimanjaro Marathon. The course layout had two out-and-back segments, which made it fun to see and cheer for each other. On-time start was great because it did warm up; we were lucky that we had cloud cover. I brought my hydration belt with my standard drink powder and gels from home. I used the aid stations for water only. I was relaxed about time and took lots of pictures on the run! Be aware that children will join you during the second half, which is enjoyable, but is also a bit dangerous as some bump elbows and one cut sharply in front of me. Overall, they were charming and excited to support the marathoners. Plus they learn English in school and like to practice. There were long stretches in the first half without spectators, allowing me to enjoy the experience peacefully. It was very congested (cars) at the stadium entrance when I reached the halfway point, and more so when returning to that location for the finish. There are interesting sights throughout the race, with Kilimanjaro visible on the outbound portion of the second half. Post-race: The Wild Frontiers tent was OK. It was more fun to be out in the stadium where there was a breeze. However, lots of vendors were present.
stacey paddock from Dallas, TX (3/18/2009) "Surprisingly well organized and so worth it!" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Kilimanjaro Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I ran this marathon in March 2009 as part of my 7 continent journey and I loved it! I was pleasantly surprised by how well organized it was. It started precisely on time, the KM markers were dead on with my GPS watch, and they had well-manned (plus music!) water stops. The Wild Frontiers package was definitely worth paying for; it ensured that we had a covered tent (plus secure bag drop) at the finish, transportation to and from our hotel and a pasta dinner and early breakfast. The course doesn't serve fluid replacement drinks, so bring your own. The course was scenic, but the highway part (8-18K) had lots of traffic and fumes. However, it's worth slogging through that part to reach the long uphill road with Kili in the distance and then the glorious downhill. The race was hot, but not too humid (I'm from Texas), and a lot of it was shaded. I was well prepared - even after climbing Mt. Kili 2 days before - and loved every minute of it!

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Marathon Details - Kilimanjaro Marathon