Meeting at Nairobi airport

Lake Elementaita - Meeting at Nairobi airport. Transfer to Elementaita Lake, where we’ll be having rest after the flight at the nice lodge.

Lake Elmenteita is a soda lake, in the Great Rift Valley, about 120 km. northwest of Nairobi, Kenya. Elmenteita is derived from the Maasai word muteita, meaning “dust place”, a reference to the dryness and dustiness of the area, especially between January and March. The lake is normally very shallow (less than 1 m. deep) and bordered by trona-encrusted mudflats during the dry seasons. The lake’s shores are grazed by zebra, gazelle, eland and families of warthog. It also attracts visiting flamingoes, both the greater and lesser varieties, which feed on the lake’s crustacean and insect larvae and on its suspended blue-green algae.

Acclimatization day in Kenya

Lake Elementaita - Acclimatization day in Kenya. Our morning run will occure at the stunning scenery of the southeastern edge of the Great Rift Valley. Morning and evening runs along the shores of the lake or on the slopes of Ugali Hills.

Taking off to Home of Champions

Iten - Morning run, stretchings, exercises and breakfast. Taking off to our main destination — Iten, Home of Champions. We’re supposed to reach Iten HATC by lunch time. Let’s have a nupp or swim in a pool. In a few coming days we’be doing nothing special but training, recovering, traning, recovering and over again. And enjoing great food and kenyan hospitality of course.

Nestled six hours northwest of the capital, Iten is marked with lush vegetation and striped with Kenya’s iconic red clay roads. Running champions are raised here that made the town an epicenter of long-distance running in Kenya and worldwide. Most runners come to Iten to elevate their running in training camps with a desire to compete in the world’s most competitive and prestigious races. That includes scores of Kenyan athletes, but also, at any given time, a handful of international runners seeking inspiration and, at least temporarily, uncomplicated focus on their training.

Intensive training in Iten HATC

Iten - Morning: easy jogging, speed work (fartlek). Evening: jogging and stretching.

The most famous Kenyan workouts are the fartleks. The terrain in Iten is pretty difficult for fast running, it’s more like a cross-country. They choose between two tracks, one of which is called “Boston”, simulating the challenging hills of the famous marathon track and consisting of 50 minutes in these interval options: 1 minute “on”/1 minute “off”, 2 minutes “on”/1 minute “off” and 3 minutes “on”/1 minute “off”. We’ll do the same. Amazing experience!

Intensive training in Iten HATC

Iten - Intensive training in Iten HATC. Morning: medium run, core exercises. Evening: easy jog.

The good style would be to combine intensive runs on tarmak or clay roads in the morning with jogging on soft paths in local Signore and Kaptagat forests which are vast and amazingly beautiful here. Local boda-bodas will take us there. The sundowns on foresty hills are unforgetabble!

Intensive training in Iten HATC

Iten - Intensive training in Iten HATC. Morning: track speed. Evening: easy jogging.

On this or other day we shall take a run on one of the most spectacular serpanit roads in Kenya — Iten-Kessap road going down alsmost a 1.000 meters from highlands of Iten to savannah of Kerio valley. With very kilometer we’ll be feeling the raise of easiness to breath and the raise of a temperature. At the end we’ll be rewarded with ripe mangoes from local ladies selling them in the village.

Intensive training in Iten HATC

Iten - Intensive training in Iten HATC. Morning: easy run + slope. Rest. Evening: stretchings.

Don’t forget that Iten is a town where runners from different parts of the globe can not only run together, but also share ideas and passion. Go to a town center for whatever you have in mind from buying fresh fruits to making a haircut. The night life in town is not in our priority, but the middle of the day is at our disposal. New friends and reasons for the next running journey will be your reward.

Intensive training in Iten HATC

Iten - Intensive training in Iten HATC. Morning: progressive run, exercises. Evening: easy jog and stretching.

The training process is not only about running. We’re welcome to use facilities for recovery procedures and strengh workouts: 25 meter swimming pool, gym fully equipped with a mixture of cardio and weight machines, free weights, medicine balls, steps and floor mats. There’s also a sauna to aid recovery. And an all-weather synthetic tartan track.

Journey from Kenya to Tanzania

Moshi - Let us start a long but increadible journey to Tanzania. This day will be full of road impressions and diversive landscapes. We’ll cross the border in Namanga and pass by Mount Meru, Arusha National Park and a number of Massai villages where we can make stops if time allows. The main treasure of this day is to observe the people’s routine life in two countries.

By night we’ll reach Moshi town on southern foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, having dinner on our way. Staying at a lodge. Some light snack, lullaby performed by guide/coach and falling asleep.

Hiking at Mt. Kilimanjaro slopes

Machame Camp - Morning run is optional, but good breakfast is obrligatory. Driving towards Machame Gate. Hiking uphils to Machame Camp or Shira Camp depending of physical conditions of all the athlets. Let’s cook dinner ourselves tonight and rest in tents.

Nestled beneath the southwestern side of Mount Kilimanjaro, Machame Camp is located on one of the oldest routes of the mountain — the Machame Route. It’s situated at an elevation of 2.835 meters and is the most popular overnight camping spot for climbers before they summit the mountain. Originally, this area was known for its metallic hut belonging to the Rangers which is where it got its name. The vegetative surrounding is primarily montane forest. This zone does experience a good amount of rainfall due to its low-altitude location in contrast to its windy upper neighbors.

Tapering at Mt. Kilimanjaro slopes

Kilimanjaro National Park - Running, walking or functional training on a plateau providing a perfect views of Kibo peak and Mount Meru. Making radial walks, taking pictures. After lanch we’ll descend to rainforest zone, reaching the nearest camp or Machame Gate. The richness of oxygen and moisture in the air will be a pleasant surprise.

Active recreational day in Moshi

Moshi - Active rest day before the marathon. Walking, visiting natural hot springs and waterfalls close by for a full recovery. And pasta-party in the evening, of cource!

Kikuletwa Hotsprings - We reccommend a beautiful oasis of Kikuletwa hotsprings with aquamarine and lukewarm water, surrounded by little jungle to enjoy swimming and fish nibble on your toes. A lovely place to relax.

Materuni Waterfalls - Materuni waterfalls are located not far away. These waterfalls are one of the tallest in the Kilimanjaro region and their cold waters are contrasting to hotsprings. We’re also more than welcome to visit nearest Chagga village to have an impression about the traditional life of the local farmers and to have at least a coffee at their hats.

Mount Kilimanjaro’24 Marathon

Moshi - Kilimanjaro 2024 International Marathon. This marathon is the only in region that does not invite any professional runners. Every year an amateur runner wins. That means you! In the past the winners were teachers, electricians, editors, doctors, engineers, etc. They run for the love of it. And to the Kili Marathon, they are the heroes of the sport. Same for us! That’s why our after-party is called a Dinner of Champions. We’ll be having it that night in Moshi together with our running fellows from all around the blobe.

There are three distances to choose from, a full (42 k.), half (21 k.) and fun run. Kili Marathon has some sections of uphill — so make sure you are trained up and ready for your chosen distance. All races are marshalled, with traffic control and there is plenty of support from the water tables and the local supporters on the way. The race finishes in the MoCu stadium in Moshi with music, food and lots of Kili lager available.

Driving to Nairobi airport in the morning

Nairobi - We can also pick you up to Naitobi or Arusha airports. Getting back to Uganda is also an option. But anyway we’ll celebrate the race again at a farewell party in the evening in one of the cities.

• Comfortable mini bus transfers between countries
• Cozy accommodations in guesthouses or lodges
• Around-the-clock support from our dedicated team
• Three daily meals with a choice of European or mixed cuisine
• All park and sightseeing entrance fees included
• Complimentary trekking, cycling, and water walk equipment rental
• Two-week personalized training with a professional coach
• Revitalizing massage therapy sessions
• Planned activities as per the itinerary

Embark on a truly one-of-a-kind running journey in Kenya and Tanzania! The training pilgrimage leading up to the Mount Kilimanjaro Marathon promises enriching experiences, rigorous preparation at the high altitude training center in Iten in collaboration with elite athletes and engaging relaxation techniques! What’s more? Beneficial weather, untouched mountain freshness, breathtaking panoramas, and an assortment of wildlife native to the two nations, running cohorts, top-notch physiotherapy, divine fruit varieties, traditional food, and deep-rooted cultural interactions in the territories of the Maasai, Kalenjin, and Meru. Everything we’ve dreamt of — Africa brimming with splendid beauty and age-old wisdom.

Annually, a standard marathon of 42.2 km and a half-marathon of 21.1 km are conducted under the towering Mount Kilimanjaro. The quaint town of Moshi becomes a hub for thousands of running enthusiasts from around the globe who congregate to celebrate this coveted event. Race options include running the full marathon at 42.2 km, a half marathon at 21.1 km, or a shorter race at 5 km.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.