John Evance's attempt has a twist that makes it more interesting than the clock alone. Rather than starting at the Marangu or Umbwe gates, where most previous record attempts have begun

The Marangu Route suits the climber who genuinely prefers a hut to a tent, who is climbing in the wetter months and wants a roof each night, or who is watching the budget. It is a reasonable choice for a first climb too, provided you take the six-day version so your body has the time it needs to adjust. If comfort and simplicity matter more to you than scenic variety, Marangu has real and lasting appeal.

A mountain on the equator, crowned with ancient ice, and in our lifetime it's slipping away. Why Kilimanjaro has glaciers, why they're vanishing, and why this may be one of the last generations to stand beside them.