HISTORY

Where it all began?
Kili Marathon, to begin with, was simply an idea formed by event organiser Wild Frontiers in 2002, over a cold Kilimanjaro Lager, of a great way to draw tourism in to Tanzania – an iconic name and place for a marathon, using sport and a new marketing idea to attract runners to Tanzania, who would then climb the mountain, or go on safari after running the race.
Year one, after generating some marketing on a tiny budget, attracted a mix of a few ‘international’ runners coupled with local interest – and ended up with a field of about 300 – 400  runners in total who enjoyed the race.  Back in 2003, the local interest from villagers was piqued and they came out to see what was going on in their quiet town so early on a Sunday morning.  Children followed some of the athletes, there were goats on the side of the roads, part of the course was on dirt, but generally most people went about their morning activities – like any other Sunday.
We organised a full 42km and half marathon distance, and a 10 km –  and timekeeping was done manually with stop-watches… it was quite easy with a small group of runners.

Today, the roads are brimming full with athletes – shoulder to shoulder at the start – as they pit for top honours. We now have, in addition to the Full and Half, a hugely popular Fun Run, and a “ wheel chair / hand cycle race “.
Over the years, our main sponsor Kilimanjaro Premium Lager, together with other sponsors have helped us turn this tiny event into a monster – the sponsors have to claim a large part of the credit for this success. The race serves to test  Tanzania’s upcoming top athletes, with world-class times being posted by these talented runners – as well as getting close to 9000 runners over various distances, enjoying the morning out.
As well as being a great breeding ground for the local talent, the event draws quality runners from neighboring countries, and from around the world – with up to 40  nationalities attending the event. Apart from the ‘sports ‘element, the event has a big payoff in the region, with sponsors building their CSR around the event, and the economic benefits to the country and the region are huge. There is also a change of lifestyle across the country, with many more people taking up running, to keep healthy and socialize. Every true Tanzanian wants to participate in the “ Kili “ as it is known, and the medals are worn with pride from Tunduma to Taveta

EVENTS
Situated south of the equator – in Tanzania – at 5 895 metres, this is Africa’s highest mountain and the highest free standing mountain in the world (as it is not part of a mountain range).  Huge permanent glaciers flow down from the summit, and the sheer presence of this huge mountain dominates the entire area. An icon in Africa, “Kili“ as she is affectionately known, is one of the sights every person should see at least once in his or her life.
Every year, at the end of February/beginning March, such that 2018 will be on  4th of March (04/03/2018), a standard 42.2 km marathon, a 21.1 km half marathon and a 5 km fun run will be held in the town of Moshi, Tanzania. This race has been set up to promote the sport in Tanzania, and has the official backing of the Tanzania Tourist Board, the Tanzania Amateur Athletics Association, the IAAF, and is registered with AIMS.
The marathon 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.  We turn around and head back to the town of Moshi, tracking down into the actual town itself before 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 turnaround point marks approximately 32 km and the last section is 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, parts of town, banana and coffee plantations and patches of forest, providing great excitement to the residents who give ample vocal support.
For those running the 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 around at approx 10 km to return to 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 refreshments for sale.
The logistics of the operation are run by the Kilimanjaro Marathon Club and the members of both the Tanzania Amateur Athletics Association (TAAA) and the local Kilimanjaro Amateur Athletics Association (KAAA).

The Kilimanjaro Marathon may also be used as a qualifier for the Comrades Marathon.
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