Running for Change, Empowering the Future
About Colleen
Colleen is on a mission to defy limits, embrace fear, and empower the next generation of girls through her bold attempt to set the Fastest Known Time (FKT) on Mount Kilimanjaro. Partnering with The Cairn Project, she’s turning her audacious pursuit into a force for good, raising awareness and funding to expand outdoor opportunities for girls. Inspired by her Peace Corps experience, where she saw the transformative power of running on young women’s confidence, Colleen’s journey to the summit is about breaking records and proving that daring dreams can change lives.
The Cairn Project
The Cairn Project empowers and inspires the next generation of girls and women through outdoor adventure. By providing scholarships for outdoor programs and mobilizing a community of support under the motto “More Girls Outside,” the organization expands access to wilderness and education opportunities for girls across the U.S. It also serves as a hub for women passionate about the outdoors to connect, share stories, and amplify the visibility of women and girls in adventure spaces. Through its initiatives, The Cairn Project fosters self-esteem, resilience, and leadership in young women while creating a positive impact through outdoor exploration.
Colleen is partnering with The Cairn Project to turn this challenge into a fundraiser for the Summit Scholarship Foundation. Through this initiative, donations will go directly to the Summit Scholarship Foundation, expanding access to outdoor education for young women and ensuring that more girls have the opportunity to experience the transformative power of adventure.
Whether you’re someone who wants to see more women crushing records on the world stage, an individual who believes the outdoors is for all or a brand looking to partner, you can be part of this adventure.
Ways to Get Involved
DONATE [coming soon] > Every contribution goes directly to fund the Summit Scholarship Foundation
SPONSORSHIP > Align your brand with a bold, record-breaking journey
SHARE THE STORY > Share this story and think about ways you can amplify the stories of women and girls in the outdoors
Pushing Peaks, Opening Doors for the Next Generation
Mount Kilimanjaro
The mountain that Colleen has been obsessed with since her mom read her a story about the mountain as a kid.
Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world, at 5,895 meters / 19,341 feet above sea level. Mt. Kilimanjaro comprises three volcanic peaks, the largest being Kibo – where the summit is located. Mt. Kilimanjaro is one of the “Seven Summits” – the highest mountain peaks from each continent. There are currently seven official routes up the mountain to the summit:
- Marangu
- Machame
- Umbwe
- Lemosho
- Shira
- Northern Circuit
- Rongai
These routes end up at one of three main base camps from which a summit attempt can start. The three main routes to the summit are:
- South via Stella Point
- East via Gillman’s Point
- West up the more technical Western Breach
There are two descent routes: Marangu and Mweka
The current female ascent FKT is held by Kristina Shou Madson, a Danish ultra runner. Kristina set the FKT in February 2018 on the Mweka route in 6 hours and 52 minutes.
The current male ascent FKT is held by Karl Egloff, a Swiss ultra runner. Karl set the FKT on August 2014 on the Umbwe route in 4 hours and 56 minutes.
Mweka Route
The Mweka Route is typically used for descent but has been the primary choice for past FKT attempts due to its shortest distance and better support access.
Advantages:
- Logistically easiest with more support access and flexibility.
- Better adaptability, making it easier to adjust for weather and conditions.
- Strong historical precedent, as it has been used for most FKT attempts.
Northern Circuit
The Northern Circuit is one of longest routes on Kilimanjaro, offering nearly 360-degree views and a sense of solitude on the lesser-traveled northern slopes. It begins by following the Lemosho Route for the first few days before diverging.
Challenges:
- Logistically complex due to its remote nature.
- Not used for FKTs, making it an unconventional but rewarding challenge.
- Lengthy route increases the risk of fatigue and prolonged exposure to changing weather conditions
Adventure Reports
See Her Outside: DNF’s, Post-Race Blues, and Competition for Collaboration: Colleen’s Ultrarunning Story
02.24.25
Colleen MacDonald is an ultra and trail runner specializing in the 50 mile and 100 mile distances. Based in Colorado and Minnesota, Colleen is known for her unshakable grit and love of flying down technical descents. Read full story here.
Colleen: Ultra Runner, Adventurer, and Advocate for Empowerment
Colleen is an ultra runner driven by audacious goals and a deep desire to make a positive impact. The Kilimanjaro FKT embodies everything Colleen thrives on: embracing fear, defying odds, and proving that bold, improbable dreams are within reach. Equal parts determined and reflective, she sees this challenge as a way to conquer self-doubt while igniting her passion for adventure. Women are underrepresented in the elite endurance space, and this attempt is about proving that women belong in these high-stakes, high-altitude arenas. By taking on this challenge, Colleen wants to inspire female athletes, adventurers, and anyone who dares to dream big.
