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Cheruiyot Kirui: A Kenyan Mountaineer’s Final Ascent

Cheruiyot Kirui’s story is one of remarkable ambition and courage. A banker by profession, Kirui’s passion for mountaineering led him to conquer some of the highest peaks on Earth. His tragic death on Mount Everest has deeply impacted the mountaineering community in Kenya and around the world.

 

Kirui was born in the highlands of Kenya, where his love for the mountains began. The rolling hills and vast landscapes of his homeland shaped his future as a mountaineer.

Cheruiyot near the summit of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m).

Kirui achieved extraordinary feats in mountaineering. He was the first African to summit Mt. Manaslu without supplemental oxygen in September 2023.

His speed climbs of Mt. Kilimanjaro, including an ascent and descent in just 15 hours, were legendary. He completed over 20 ascents of Mt. Kenya, setting course records on the three main routes, including a remarkable 2 hours and 56 minutes on the Sirimon route from Old Moses to Lenana Summit. He also completed an expedition-style climb of Rwenzori and a self-supported traverse of the Aberdare ranges.

Kirui’s ultra-marathon achievements were equally impressive. He secured second place in the Ultra Trail Chiang Mai, Thailand, and participated in grueling races like the Cappadocia Ultra Trail in Turkey and the Tor Des Geants in the Italian Alps. His book “ULTRAMARATHON: THE STORY OF TOR DES GÉANTS” chronicled his journey through one of the world’s toughest races.

Summit of Manaslu (8,163M) First African summit of an 8000m peak without supplemental oxygen.

Kirui’s final expedition was his most daring. He attempted to summit Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen, aiming to be the first African to achieve this. Sadly, his body was found just below the summit, marking a tragic end to his attempt.

Kirui’s legacy goes beyond his mountaineering feats. He inspired many Kenyan athletes and adventurers to dream big and push beyond their limits. His death highlights the dangers of high-altitude climbing, especially in the “death zone” above 8,000 meters, where the air is thin, and the risks are immense.

As the mountaineering world mourns, Kirui’s spirit lives on in the peaks he conquered and the trails he blazed. His story is one of courage, determination, and the relentless pursuit of the extraordinary. Cheruiyot Kirui, the Kenyan mountaineer who dared to touch the sky, will always be remembered as a hero who reached for the summit of his dreams.

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