Brazilian Ultra-Runner Breaks Record In Speed-Climbing Indonesian Peak

Brazilian Ultra-Runner Breaks Record In Speed-Climbing Indonesian Peak. Brazilian ultrarunner Fernanda Maciel has gained the Fastest Known Time (FKT) to ascend and descend Oceania's highest peak, the Carstensz Pyramid (aka Puncak Jaya) in the Indonesian half of New Guinea. 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: "I'm super happy and relieved, actually, because this mountain is very frightening.” Maciel is aiming to complete the world’s ‘Seven Summits’ having conquered Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Mount Vinson, and now the Carstensz Pyramid. It means she only has to beat Alaska’s Denali and the biggest of the lot - Everest - to complete the set.