Stage run on the roof of Africa

For those of you looking for the adventure of a lifetime, check this out:   http://www.nomadicexperience.com/assets/trips/running/SENE%20Stage%20Run%202011.pdf

Tanzanian ultra-runner, Simon Mtuy, is organizing a staged trail run around the perimeter of Mount Kilimanjaro in October.  The course will be (roughly) 185 miles, over 8 days, and will traverse the perimeter of Mount Kilimanjaro at approximately 6,000 above sea level.  And yes, there are LOTS of hills.   Cristina and I had the privilege of scouting the course with Simon and Tim Leibach (who works with Simon) this past October.  It was absolutely amazing.  You can check out a brief  (4 minute) clip of our adventure here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wVN_zEPLiw

In addition to being a world class athlete, Simon also owns and operates Summit Expeditions & Nomadic Experience (adventure packages), and has summited Kilimanjaro over 300 times.  He also holds the world record for the fastest unassisted ascent and descent of Kilimanjaro (19,340 ft) in 6 hours up, and 2 hours 27 minutes down.  Simon and I have been close friends for about 7 years, and I can say that he is one of the friendliest, most outgoing and interesting individuals that you will ever meet.  I know that some other HURT runners have met Simon at Western States and I’m sure all will agree that Simon is an awesome guy.  Space is extremely limited.  Last time I spoke to Simon he said that it may be a maximum of 18 people.  If your schedule (and credit card) permits it, my suggestion is to go for a month.  Do the stage run, then climb Kili, then go for an animal safari at Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti for 5 days, and finish the trip off with a few days in Zanzibar.  Simon can actually set all this up for you in advance.  You won’t regret it.  I promise!

–Steve V.