Ready to level up your trail running game while checking off a bucket-list adventure? The inaugural Kilimanjaro Peak Ultra (KPU), set to debut in October 2025, is a race that will challenge runners to conquer Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, and descend to tell the tale.
Scaling Mount Kilimanjaro is a life-long dream for many outdoor enthusiasts. As one of the Seven Summits and the tallest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro reaches 5,895 metres of elevation at its peak, and the KPU will have runners climbing and descending 4,100m of that elevation over 68km.
The KPU takes runners along the Marangu Route, which is the most popular trail for climbers. Starting at Marangu Gate, runners tackle three checkpoints—Mandara Hut (2,720m), Horombo Hut (3,720m) and Kibo Hut (4,700m)—before reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m). From there, it’s a high-stakes descent back to the starting point, testing speed and endurance while challenging runners to fight fatigue and focus on every step.
The real challenge: altitude
While the KPU course itself is runnable and packed with flowy trails, the true beast of the KPU is altitude. With the summit reaching nearly 6,000m, runners must battle thin air, potential altitude sickness and exhaustion. The section from Kibo Hut (4,700m) to Gillman’s Point (5,685m) and Stella Point (5,756m) will demand extra grit and determination as participants push through the challenge of extreme elevation.
A journey through Kilimanjaro’s ecosystems
The race route is more than just a physical challenge; it will be a tour through some of the planet’s most diverse landscapes. Runners will traverse five distinct ecological zones: from the cultivated farmland at the mountain’s base to dense rainforests, otherworldly moorlands, barren alpine deserts, and, finally, the icy summit. Few races in the world can offer such a dramatic range of scenery in just one day.
Looking to get some altitude training before race day? For those with a bit more time and a sense of adventure, a guided trek up Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak at 4,566m, offers a four-day climbing and descending challenge. If you’re hoping to explore beyond the trails, there are options to extend your trip with safaris or visits to local landmarks.
KPU is put on by Plan B Event Company, which already hosts a variety of stage races and epic ultras, including the Salomon Zugspitz Ultratrail (variety of distances) in Germany and the Trans Rockies Run in the Colorado Rockies.
Official registration for the KPU will start on Jan. 1, 2025, with the inaugural edition of the race set for Oct. 2025. To learn more, head here.
