AssetID: 54292178
Headline: RAW VIDEO: Brazilian Ultra-Runner Breaks Record In Speed-Climbing Indonesian Peak
Caption: Brazilian ultrarunner Fernanda Maciel has broken another record by gaining the Fastest Known Time (FKT) to ascend and descend Oceania's highest peak, Carstensz Pyramid (Puncak Jaya) in the Indonesian half of New Guinea. Completing the record-breaking ascent and descent in just 1 hour and 48 minutes, this achievement marks the fifth summit in her Seven Summit quest. Maciel’s swift ascent of Carstensz Pyramid’s steep limestone rock walls places her among elite athletes pushing limits on the Seven Summits, with only Denali and Everest left to complete her challenge. On 17 October 2024, Maciel ascended Carstensz Pyramid’s rugged limestone terrain from Base Camp at 4,300 metres, reaching the summit (4,884 metres) in just 1 hour and 4 minutes before returning for a total round trip of 1 hour and 48 minutes—a feat verified by SkyRunning World Records. The climbing round trip usually takes 13 hours. Reflecting on the climb, she said: "The mountain is quite intimidating because you arrive here already sleep-deprived, the base camp conditions are very tough, and there’s no food... I ate an instant noodle before setting off, for example. That was all there was. So, you’re in a very weakened state. I feel truly blessed because there was this two-hour window in the weather, and it's usually bad weather here. I managed to do it. But this doesn’t mean the rock was in good condition—it was very slippery, with snow at the top. I had to stay very calm to avoid slipping at those points." The Brazilian adventurer continued: "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. I'm super happy and relieved, actually, because this mountain is very frightening." Maciel's Seven Summit FKTs include Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, and Mount Vinson, each presenting its own set of environmental and technical challenges. Notably, Aconcagua in South America saw her achieve a record of 22 hours and 52 minutes in 2016, despite extreme cold and high winds, while Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, was completed in 10 hours and 6 minutes in 2017, establishing a new women's record. In 2019, she ascended and descended Europe’s Mount Elbrus in 7 hours and 40 minutes, while 2022 saw her take on Antarctica’s Mount Vinson in under 10 hours, battling freezing winds. Beyond physical accomplishment, Maciel’s Seven Summits journey serves as a platform for environmental advocacy and philanthropy. Formerly an environmental lawyer, she combines her athletic goals with efforts to support local causes, addressing issues from environmental preservation to social welfare. Her climbs highlight fragile ecosystems and inspire sustainability efforts worldwide. Following her Kilimanjaro climb, she supported a local orphanage, while her record on Mount Vinson raised awareness on climate change's impact on Antarctica. In Russia, she supported crisis relief for women survivors, and on Aconcagua, she advocated for sustainable waste management to reduce the environmental impact of tourism. As she approaches Denali and Everest, Maciel’s journey continues to blend athleticism, environmental advocacy, and humanitarian support across the globe.
Keywords: feature,video,photo,climbing,sport,red bull
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