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. In 2024 the race enters its 22nd year – a massive milestone and a tribute to all the sponsors and athletes who have been with us, and contributed to the growth and longevity of this fantastic 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 organized 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 honors. We now have, in addition to the Full and Half, a hugely popular Fun Run, ideal for families and people starting their running programmer!

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 12,000 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 45  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

 Situated south of the equator – in Tanzania – at 5 895 metres, Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain, and the highest free standing mountain in the world. “Kili” as she is affectionately known, is one of those iconic sights every person should see at least once in their lifetime.

Every year, since 2003, at the end of February/beginning March, a standard 42.2 km marathon, 21.1 km half marathon and 5 km fun run are held in the town of Moshi, in the shadow of Kilimanjaro. 2022 was our ‘20^th Anniversary’ of this event. In 2024 we plan to have an even more exciting weekend lined up with our incredible sponsors by our side.  This AIMS registered 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 and World Athletics.

The atmosphere in Moshi over ‘race weekend’ is electric.  Moshi is jam-packed with people who have trained up for their favorite race distance – motivated to come and ‘strut their stuff’.  There is so much energy throughout the town of Moshi – with people coming from around the world to enjoy this unique event.  There are plenty of places to explore – and lots of restaurants and pubs offering a full range of foods – from local fare to fantastic Indian, Italian and English menus.  Lively pubs – and typically our sponsors lining up some incredible live music and parties around the event. There are a good number of hotels in the area, but book early as they get filled up over race weekend.

Entering Kilimanjaro Marathon

There are three distances to choose from, a full (42km), half (21km) and fun run.  Kili Marathon has some sections of uphill – so make sure you are trained up and ready for your chosen distance.

Entries to be done on line.

Please refer to our FAQ section (frequently asked questions) if this is your first Kili Marathon.

The Routes

The three races all take place in the foothills of Kilimanjaro. All races are marshalled, with traffic control and there is plenty of support from the water tables and the local supporters on the way.

Sunday morning arrives and the excitement around the event is enormous, with locals coming out bright and early to support the athletes. The event finishes in the MoCu stadium, in Moshi – with music, food and lots of Kili lager available

Travel and The Event

Book your hotel or travel package early – as Moshi gets very busy over the whole weekend.  It is recommended that you are fully Covid-vaccinated and take self-precautions in busy public places. Masks are no longer compulsory, but we continue to recommend you sanitize/wash hands regularly.

Join us every year, to celebrate the Kilimanjaro Premium Lager Marathon – we have plenty of exciting plans for the lead up to the event, and race day – follow us on social media, we love to hear your comments and discuss the event with you.

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