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Categories2011 Kilimanjaro Marathon - Race Review
A mix of competitive athletes and social runners from all over the world, set off at 06h30 on the full marathon, with the backdrop of Kilimanjaro in full glory, the summit freshly capped with snow! They headed off at a good pace and the challenge was on.
The Kenyans topped the men's results but with a strong contingency of Tanzanian athletes in the top 20. The top male, Kipkemoi Kipsang finished in 2:17:09, with the top lady, also Kenyan, Ann Kamau winning in 3:00:12. The half marathon started some 30 mins later, with perfect conditions for the runners, beautiful views of Kili (for the visitors) and slightly cooler conditions for the elite local athletes.
Once again good times were set with the Kenyans just pipping Tanzania in the top honours in both the men's and ladies open categories, the winning time being Kenyan Michael Kamau in 1:03:50, the winning lady was Valentine Kipketer running for Kenya 1:14:58.
There was a large mix of international visitors from places as far afield as Colombia, China, Korea, Australia, Canada, America and South Africa, close to 40 Nationalities, including Africans newest nation, South Sudan !!
One of the South African athletes, Richard Goodhead, had RUN all the way from Cape Town in
some 143 days, averaging a marathon every day on his journey from the Cape to Moshi - to compete in the event, and to ascend Kilimanjaro. What an achievement!
All enjoyed the festive atmosphere at the stadium after the race, and after the winners were announced, a local mix of singers and dancers kept everyone entertained. There were plenty of stalls selling curios, food and drinks, and the stadium was packed!
As the temperatures rose, so did the consumption of Kilimanjaro Lager, and of course so did the enjoyment of all the guests.
2012 brings us to the 10th Anniversary of the Kilimanjaro Marathon, with an expected hype around this event, it is anticipated that our sponsors will make it even bigger, and better than ever before.
Many thanks to all our great sponsors Kilimanjaro Lager, Vodacom, Tanzaniteone, DT Dobie, Precision Air, Tanga Cement, KK Security, Kilimanjaro Water / Coca-Cola, TPC Sugar, Tanzania Tourism Board and Keys Hotel, and to the people of Moshi, and Tanzania, in this their 50th anniversary year of independence! Thank you all.
A special mention too, to our partners Executive Solutions & Kaelo Media, and of course Tanzania Athletics for assisting us in producing a great event.
A 30-minute production on Super Sport will be aired soon - details will follow on the transmission dates/times.
About The Author:
Mount Kilimanjaro, 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. 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, a standard 42.2 km marathon, a 21.1 km half marathon and a 5km fun run, will be run from 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.
There will be music at the finish, and sometimes live entertainment will be provided. There is an hospitality tent, with shade and food available as well as a masseur at an additional cost (this should be booked at the time of entering). A number of stalls and stands at the finish will sell food, drinks etc.
More info: kilimanjaromarathon.com