Low flying on the lower slopes , FKT almost in the bag
TRAIL
Fernanda at the summit of Aconcagua
On the way down Aconcagua
Images : Red Bull Media House
Her entire round trip , completed in 1:48 , now stands as the record , verified by SkyRunning World Records .
After recording her fifth FKT in her ongoing quest , Maciel said , “ I ’ m super happy . I did it in 1 hour and 48 minutes , going up and down this mountain , which generally takes people about 13 hours to complete , so it was truly a quick time . I was really impressed with my skill on the rocks , but I ’ m both super happy and relieved , actually , because this mountain is very frightening .”
“ You arrive here already sleep-deprived , the base camp conditions are very tough , and there ’ s no food ... I ate instant noodles before setting off , because that was all there was . So , you ’ re in a weakened state . I feel truly blessed , though , because there was this two-hour window in the weather , and it ’ s usually bad weather here . But this doesn ’ t mean the rock was in good condition – it was very slippery , with snow at the top , and I had to stay very calm to avoid slipping at many points ,” she adds .
Five Down …
Maciel ’ s quest to set FKTs on the Seven Summits has seen her conquer five of the seven peaks to date , all with record times , but each mountain has presented unique environmental and technical challenges , notably those with . Also , as a former environmental lawyer , Maciel ’ s Seven Summits journey is fuelled by her commitment to both ecological and social impact , and her quest combines a deep respect for nature with a dedication to endurance sports , backing philanthropic projects in every region she visits . Beyond just setting records , each climb represents a chance to support essential causes , from children ’ s welfare to environmental preservation ,
With each summit , the Brazilian works to bring attention to the planet ’ s most fragile ecosystems , aiming to inspire collective action for preservation and sustainability . “ My goal is not just to set records , but to show the beauty and resilience of these environments . I hope people can see the power of nature through my journeys , and feel motivated to protect it ,” she says .
22 February 2016
Aconcagua ( Argentina )
Summit height : 6960m FKT : 22:52 Battling harsh elements of minus-30 º C temperatures and 50km / h winds , as well as the thin air above 5000 metres , Maciel had two failed attempts before she became the first woman to complete the ascent and descent without oxygen , in a record-setting 22:52 . Philanthropic Focus : Maciel engaged with Mendoza officials to raise awareness on sustainable waste management for Aconcagua Park , addressing the heavy impact of climbers on the region ’ s environment .
25 September 2017
Kilimanjaro ( Tanzania )
Summit height : 5895m FKT : 10:06 Maciel set a new women ’ s record for completing the round trip in just over 10 hours , shattering the previous record of 12 hours and 58 minutes . Ascending Africa ’ s highest peak required endurance and speed across challenging terrain and shifting climates , from lush rainforest to alpine desert . Philanthropic Focus : Maciel visited the Kilimanjaro Orphanage Centre , offering support to local children .
28 April 2019
Elbrus ( Russia )
Summit height : 5620m FKT : 7:40 Braving minus-23 ° C temperatures and icy conditions , Maciel completed the ascent and descent of Europe ’ s highest peak in less than eight hours .
Maciel of the Mountains
Fernanda Maciel began running early , at the age of eight , and at 23 , she began to participate in international 600km adventure racing . Over the years , she progressed in each facet of adventure racing – kayak , MTB , trail running – as well as triathlon , snowboarding , downhill racing ( MTB ), and mountain running , to become an elite endurance athlete across various disciplines .
Philanthropic Focus : Maciel supported Crisiscenter . ru , an organisation aiding women who have survived violence .
24 December 2022
Vinson ( Antarctica )
Summit height : 4892m FKT : 9:41:38 On the remote summit , Maciel became the first person to run up and down Mount Vinson , tackling fierce winds and freezing conditions to complete her round trip in Antarctica in under 10 hours . Philanthropic Focus : While in Antarctica , Maciel collaborated with the Antarctic Science Foundation to study the impact of climate change on plankton , spotlighting fragile ecosystems affected by rising global temperatures .
17 October 2024
Puncak Jaya ( Indonesia )
Summit height : 4884m FKT : 1:48 Maciel ’ s latest record saw her scaling steep limestone rock walls , completing her run on Oceania ’ s tallest and technically demanding peak in 1 hour and 48 minutes , verified by SkyRunning World Records .
… And Two to Go
The two remaining summits that Maciel needs to complete her dream of setting Fastest Known Times ( FKTs ) on the Seven Summits are Denali in Alaska ( North America ), and Mount Everest in Nepal ( Asia ). Denali is 6190m high , while Everest , as the highest point above sea level on the planet , towers over the Himalayan range at 8488m . The highest peaks will require more hiking and climbing than running , but given her success to date in terms of setting FKTs on the fist five peaks , the odds are looking good for Maciel to achieve her goal of seven FKTs on the Seven Summits .
She has achieved some impressive event results in running , including first place in the Penyagolosa Ultra- Trail World Tour edition ( 2015 ), second in Japan ’ s Ultra Trail Mount Fuji 169km ( 2015 ), third in Italy ’ s The North Face Lavaredo Ultra Trail ( 2016 ), and third in the Gran Canaria leg of Ultra-Trail World Tour ( 2019 ).
“ When I ’ m running on top of mountains or paddling in the ocean , I feel so small , and yet I feel the most intense feelings of freedom and peace ,” says Maciel . “ I love to move fast in the mountains , and I love being in such contrasting terrains – they help me to improve my skills .”
Away from competing , Maciel pushes the boundaries of her sport with a series of ever more gruelling challenges . In 2016 , she became the first woman to run up and down Argentina ’ s Aconcagua Mountain , while another pioneering project in 2020 involved her climbing Gran Paradiso ( 4061m ) and the Matterhorn ( 4478m ), in the Alps near the Italian / Swiss border , in the space of just 24 hours .
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