Kilimanjaro Marathon

Africa's most scenic marathon, the Kilimanjaro Marathon starts in Moshi with Africa's highest peak as backdrop for full and half marathon routes.

The Kilimanjaro Marathon is one of East Africa’s most popular road races and one of the most scenically dramatic marathons on the continent. Held each year in early March in Moshi, a compact town at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, the event draws runners from over sixty countries alongside a strong contingent of Tanzanian and Kenyan athletes who consistently dominate the podium.

Race categories and course details

The event offers four race categories: a full marathon (42.2 km), a half marathon (21.1 km), a 10 km fun run, and a 5 km family race. All routes start and finish in Moshi town centre, with Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak (5,895 m above sea level) visible to runners on clear mornings.

The full and half marathon courses run through coffee and banana plantations on the lower slopes of the mountain, passing Chagga villages and offering views across to the Kenyan plains on cloudless days. The terrain is relatively flat by African marathon standards, with total elevation gain of approximately 300 m on the full course. Road conditions are mixed: tarmac sections alternate with compacted dirt tracks, so trail running shoes or well-cushioned road shoes are recommended.

Starting elevation in Moshi is approximately 900 m above sea level. Runners unaccustomed to altitude should arrive at least three to five days early to acclimatise. Altitude affects performance even at 900 m for runners coming from sea-level cities.

Entry fees and registration

Entry fees as of 2026 are approximately USD 60 for the full marathon, USD 50 for the half marathon, USD 30 for the 10 km, and USD 15 for the 5 km. Prices increase closer to race day. Registration opens approximately six months before the event via the official website. Early registration (typically November to January) secures the lowest fee tier.

The race entry includes a finisher medal, race T-shirt, and access to the post-race recovery area. A technical race brief takes place the evening before the race at Moshi’s YMCA hall or a designated hotel, which all registered runners are expected to attend.

Race-day logistics

The race starts at 6:00 am to avoid peak heat. Morning temperatures in Moshi in March are typically 18 to 22 degrees Celsius at the start, rising to 28 to 30 degrees Celsius by mid-morning. Carry your own hydration for the first 10 km; water stations are placed every 5 km thereafter.

The start/finish area in Moshi town centre is accessible on foot from most central hotels. There is no dedicated shuttle service from hotels, but piki-piki (motorcycle taxis) and bajaj (auto-rickshaws) operate from approximately 4:30 am on race morning.

The race is managed by the Kilimanjaro Sports Federation in partnership with international race organisers. Timing is chip-based; results are posted online within 24 hours of the race.

Accommodation in Moshi

Moshi has a wide range of accommodation. Budget guesthouses near the central bus stand cost from approximately USD 20 per night. Mid-range hotels such as Key’s Hotel (a Moshi institution popular with climbers and runners) charge approximately USD 80 to USD 120 per night for a double room. Upscale options on the Shantytown Road including Kindoroko Hotel and Bristol Cottages range from USD 130 to USD 200.

Book well in advance for race weekend. Hotels within a kilometre of the start line fill six to eight weeks out, particularly in years when the event falls on a long weekend.

Combining the race with a Kilimanjaro climb

Many runners combine the marathon with a Kilimanjaro ascent, either before the race (typically a seven-day Machame or Lemosho route) or immediately after. Post-race Kilimanjaro climbs are common but challenging: the marathon taxes legs considerably, and the mountain requires significant aerobic fitness. If you plan to climb, budget at least three to four days of recovery between the race finish and the climb start gate.

Kilimanjaro climb costs through licensed operators range from approximately USD 1,500 to USD 4,000 depending on the route, group size, and operator. Prices include park fees (currently USD 780 for a seven-day Machame route as of 2026, though park fees are adjusted periodically by the Tanzania National Parks Authority). Always book climbs through TANAPA-registered operators.

Getting to Moshi

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is approximately 50 km from Moshi. Shared taxis (dala-dala) from JRO to Moshi cost around USD 3 to USD 5 but take 90 minutes or more with stops. Private airport transfers cost approximately USD 30 to USD 40 and take around 45 minutes. Moshi is also reachable by bus from Arusha (90 minutes, approximately USD 2) and from Dar es Salaam by overnight bus or daytime bus (eight to ten hours, approximately USD 15).