Team Philippines dominates, Denmark and USA on the podium

Moshi, Tanzania: The inaugural Altitude OCR World Championships concluded this week with athletes from 26 countries battling for medals. The Philippine national team dominated, winning Gold and Silver for men (Elias Tabac, Tolitz Divina) and women (Sandi Abahan, Seannah Gutang). Mt. Kilimanjaro ascent record holder Kristina Madsen (Denmark) and adventure athlete Dave Ashley (USA) won the bronze medals.

The Altitude OCR World Championship was held at extreme altitude in the “death zone” over 18,000 ft (5,486 m) in the crater of on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, the world’s tallest freestanding mountain and one of the Seven Summits, the highest peaks on each of the seven continents. Athletes ascend to an altitude of 19,340 ft (5,895 m) on Uhuru Peak then attempted the obstacle course race in the volcano crater at 18,864 ft (5,755 m). They then completed a 2-day, 2-stage run, descending a total of 13,940 ft (4,248 m) through five climate zones to the finish in Mweka.

“The Altitude OCR World Championships gave international athletes the chance to compete in the most challenging and stunning landscape Africa has to offer” said race director Mr. Robert Edmond. “In addition to reaching the summit of the highest freestanding mountain in the world, athletes had to overcome ten obstacles at extreme altitude, providing an unprecedented physical and mental challenge.”

Event producer Mr. Dave Pickles added “We employed 400 local staff, providing benefit to their extended families and the local community. The event provides an enduring impact, elevating the lives of around 10,000 people in the region. We will continue this event indefinitely to establish a legacy of giving for the local community.”

“The Altitude World Championships is an extreme adventure challenge for obstacle and adventure athletes that provides tangible benefits for the local population” said World Obstacle President, Mr. Ian Adamson “This event meets the primary goals of our federation, which are to contribute to the greater good of humanity by providing benefit for all through participation in sport. We aim to facilitate mutual understanding, collaboration, friendship and fairness between the athletes and all people.”

Two World Record attempts were completed during the championships, the World’s Highest Fitness Class, and the World’s Highest OCR. Both records will be submitted for to Guinness World Records for validation.