The Famous Kilimanjaro Marathon
The Famous Kilimanjaro Marathon : The Famous Kilimanjaro Marathon better known as the Mount Kilimanjaro marathon is an annual marathon in Moshi, Tanzania usually held in late February or early March of every year. In 2025 the marathon was held on the 23rd February 2025 and in 2026 the marathon is slated for 22nd February 2026. So, the reason for this article is to interest you into the marathon and help you plan for joining the marathon next year.
This marathon carter for both professional and amateur runners in three distance categories 42.2 km full marathon, 21.1 km half marathon, and 5 km fun run marathon.
The marathon usually starts at the Moshi Stadium and the runners go through different routes all giving you sceneries of the famous mount Kilimanjaro. They (the runners) go through various landscape routes like urban areas, rural villages, and scenic roads with views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The running course stands at an elevation of 2,723 feet to 3,740 feet; so it gives quite a challenge to the runners taking part.
The Kilimanjaro marathon is open to everyone from any part of the world. Plus it gives you a perfect excuse to visit the Tanzania, get that run in and also explore the beauty of Tanzania. The registration for the marathon opens many months in advance with options for online registration and payment for all racing routes.
Of course, we advise you to train and be fit for the race, for your own good but also for the spectators and locals who gather along the different routes to cheer on runners; they deserve a good show.
On the run the organizers have regular water stations and aid stations to provide runners hydration, snacks, and medical support whenever they need it.
And at the end of the race, every one who finishes receiver a commemorative medal and certificate for completing the race.
The Kilimanjaro Marathon partners with local charities and organizations to support community development projects; meaning every year’s edition; is geared up to support a cause that is close to the needs of the community.
And best thing about this marathon is almost all the participants get to enjoy time exploring Tanzania on the sidelines of the marathon. You can enjoy activities like game drives, nature walks, bird watching and of course hiking the Kilimanjaro Mountain.
For you to enjoy the marathon, you have to take time to prepare for it and prepare well. You need get time before the race to acclimatize to the local climate and altitude, train within the area to prepare for the event and also eat well and all the other things that you need to do.
Most of all on this Kilimanjaro marathon, make sure you have as much fun as you want too. Enjoying the marathon and everything about it should be top of your agenda.
About Mountain Kilimanjaro
Mountain Kilimanjaro is located in Mountain Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania. The park is actually named after the mountain. The mountain has a latitude of 3.07° S, and Longitude of 37.35° E with an elevation of 5,895 meters above sea level. The mountain is a dormant mountain – a Stratovolcano.
It has six climbing routes that are Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, Umbwe, and Shira. You can reach the summit is about 10 days but you can also have 5-9 hikes on the different routes. On a trek you cover about 62-100 km depending on speed and the route you are using. On your hike be aware that the mountain is a high altitude mountain with steep inclines, unpredictable weather and trails that make it quite difficult to conquer. But all in all it’s a fun mountain to ascent.
