Run under the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro
No, you won’t have to climb the highest single free-standing mountain in the world. But you will get to experience the beauty of Tanzania’s 5,895m tall dormant volcano along a course filled with welcoming and supportive local crowds at the Kilimanjaro Marathon.
On February 27, 2022, the Kilimanjaro Marathon will set off for the 20th edition having hosted athletes from more than 45 countries.
What makes the Kilimanjaro Marathon so special? “The people. The crowds of local people along the route, all smiling, happy and supportive,” says Race Director, John Addison.
The first 21km loop runs through the small town of Moshi, where runners pass by local shops on their way out to the sugar farms. Addison says one of the many highlights is the natural beauty.
“Tanzania is beautiful with wide open spaces with Mount Kilimanjaro always in the background.”
Then the route ascends from 800m above sea level on the second 21km loop which includes about 10km through coffee farms and rural villages, before looping back down to the finish in the stadium.
Upon entering the stadium, you’ll be greeted with what Addison says is an “electric atmosphere.” Complete with a stage with local bands and African entertainment, as well as bars and food stalls to celebrate all the finishers.
Kilimanjaro isn’t the only natural beauty in Tanzania. After the marathon, visit the Serengeti National Park which is renowned for its large lion population and for high diversity in both animal species and habitats. February is also the middle of the great migration period in the region where hundreds of thousands of zebras, wildebeests and gazelles migrate in search of food.
After the Serengeti, relax on exotic beaches and visit famous spice plantations in Zanzibar.
History and heritage in Carthage
Don’t worry if you missed the marathons full of ancient history we profiled in January, we have you covered.
The Carthage Marathon in Tunisia on February 27, 2022 is yet another marathon in Africa that runs through ancient ruins giving runners a taste of what the area looked like thousands of years earlier.
The flat and fast, two-loop course starts at the ancient Roman Theater where race director Naamen Bouhamed says he loves “seeing the runners’ enthusiasm to run a unique race, with a unique story.”
History buffs will love that the course weaves through ancient Punic, Roman, Vandal, PaleoChristian and Arabic ruins. The main attractions of Carthage Marathon are the Acropolis of Byrsa, the Punic port, Baths of Antonin and the Cisterns of Malaga, which is a UNESCO Heritage site.
According to UNESCO, Carthage was founded in the 9th century B.C. by Queen Elyssa-Dido and developed over centuries into a great trading empire covering much of the Mediterranean and was home to a brilliant civilization.
With all the historic sites along the course, the Carthage Marathon has grown significantly since it was first run in 2015 when athletes from 17 countries participated to 42 countries being represented at the start line in 2020.
Bouhamed says: “The hospitality of the Tunisian volunteers makes you want to fly to Carthage for this marathon.” They help with everything from bib pickup starting three days before the race to refueling stations along the course and they continuously cheer on all the runners.
The AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Rankings comprise a one-year qualifying period during which athletes in nine separate age groups can compete in marathons across the world to earn ranking points.
At the end of the qualifying period, the top ranked runners in each age group will be invited to the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championships. The 2022 season of the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Rankings will feature a record-breaking 312 marathons spanning 89 countries and six continents.
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