Kilian arrives in Africa...
It’s time for yet another Quest for Kilian. It’s the first time he has attempted anything in Africa, and he has chosen the highest point on the African continent to do it. Kilimajaro. But this is no ordinary run. Kilian is chasing a record at altitudes of almost 6,000 metres…
Additionally, the record is held by Tanzanian Simon M’Tuy, a man who over the last 20 years has visited the summit of Kilimanjaro over 400 times and whose body is completely acclimatised to the environment. Kilian has just over one week, starting his attempt on the morning of the 28th of September.
Kilian and Simon - a height mismatch, but both great runners
Kilimanjaro is said to be an ‘easy technical climb’ if compared to Mount Everest, but the biggest challenge remains dealing with altitude sickness, which is caused by acute exposure to low air pressure and commonly occurs about 2400 meters. – Africa Updates
Also, Simon’s time is an astonishing 8 hours and 27 mins, incredible when you think that it takes the average human 6 days to trek to the summit and back.
The Schedule:
Arrival Mbahe Cottage (1825m) the 18/09
Preparation for climbing, Logistic Mbahe Cottage (1825m) the 19/09
Walk to Umbwe Camp (2850m) the 20/09
Walk to Barranco (3985m) the 21/09
Acclimate day, up and down at Barranco Camp (3985m) the 22/09
Walk to Lava Tower (4642m) the 23/09
Acclimate day, up and down at Lava Tower Camp (4642m) the 24/09
Summit via Western Breach and go down to Millenium Camp (or Barafu) th 25/09
Walk down to Mweka Gate (1825m) the 26/09
Rest day OR ATTEMPT DAY. The 27/09
ATTEMPT DAY the 28/09.
Kilian in Africa!
The Salomon Running Facebook page has some great arrival images, and as ever Kilian takes a great deal of interest in nature and the environment that surrounds him. Make sure you follow the SR FB page for updates throughout the Quest.
Whatever happens you can bet that the ultra-trail phenomenon that is Kilian Jornet will give it his best shot. Chapeau!
The route
