Environmental advocacy and athleticism: Fernanda Maciel uses ultrarunning to break records and create positive change
Fernanda Maciel has redefined the limits of human endurance once again by setting the Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the highest peak in Oceania, Carstensz Pyramid, also known as Puncak Jaya, located in Indonesia. The record-breaking ascent and descent was completed in just 1 hour 48 minutes and is the fifth summit in her Seven Summit ascent quest. The Brazilian ultrarunner’s swift ascent and descent over steep limestone rock walls places her in an elite league of athletes pushing the boundaries on the Seven Summits.
The 80/20 Snapshot
- Historic Feat: On October 17, 2024, Maciel reached the summit of Carstensz Pyramid (4,884 meters) in just 1 hour and 4 minutes, completing the round trip back to Base Camp in a total time of 1 hour and 48 minutes.
- Completed Summits on Messner’s Seven Summits: Carstensz Pyramid marks Maciel’s fifth summit in her Seven Summits quest, which includes the tallest peaks on each continent. With only Denali and Everest remaining, she is close to completing this elite challenge.
- Mental and Physical Challenges: The Carstensz Pyramid ascent was marked by technical and physically demanding terrain.
- Environmental Advocacy and Philanthropy Along the Way: A former environmental lawyer, Fernanda Maciel’s Seven Summits journey is fueled by her commitment to ecological and social impact. Beyond setting records, each climb represents a chance to support essential causes, from children’s welfare to environmental preservation. Her quest combines a deep respect for nature with a dedication to endurance sports, backing philanthropic projects in every region she visits.
Deep Dive
On October 17, 2024, Fernanda Maciel took on the ambitious challenge of setting the Fastest Known Time on Carstensz Pyramid, also known as Puncak Jaya. Covering 3.41 kilometers from Base Camp at 4,300 meters, she ascended 582 meters over rugged limestone in just 1 hour and 4 minutes. Her entire round trip, completed in 1 hour and 48 minutes, now stands as the record, verified by SkyRunning World Records.
Maciel’s journey to Carstensz Pyramid exemplifies her sustained mental focus and physical resilience. Scaling technically difficult sections and steep, rocky terrain, she attributes her success to meticulous preparation and adaptability.
Maciel revealed: “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 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 Summits FKTs (Messner List)
Fernanda Maciel’s quest to set FKTs on the Seven Summits has seen her conquer five of the seven peaks with record times, each mountain presenting unique environmental and technical challenges. She now has Denali and Everest remaining to complete her goal.
- Aconcagua (South America) – 22h 52m 0s (Feb 22, 2016)
Maciel achieved her dream of running up and down the highest peak in South America, Aconcagua (6,960m), facing -30ºC temperatures, 50km/h winds, and the thin air above 5,000 meters. After two failed attempts, she became the first woman to complete the ascent and descent in a record-setting 22 hours and 52 minutes, battling harsh elements and altitude without oxygen.
- Kilimanjaro (Africa) – 10h 6m round trip (Sep 25, 2017)
Maciel set a new women’s record by ascending and descending Kilimanjaro (5,895m), completing the round trip in 10 hours and 6 minutes, breaking the previous record of 12 hours and 58 minutes. Ascending Africa’s highest peak required endurance and speed across challenging terrain and shifting climates, from lush rainforest to alpine desert.
- Elbrus (Europe) – 7h 40m 0s (Apr 28, 2019)
Braving -23°C temperatures and icy conditions, Maciel completed the ascent and descent of Europe’s highest peak, Mount Elbrus (5,620 meters), in just 7 hours and 40 minutes.
- Vinson (Antarctica) – 9h 41m 38s (Dec 24, 2022)
On the remote Mount Vinson (4,892m), Maciel tackled fierce winds and freezing conditions, completing her round trip in Antarctica in under 10 hours.
- Puncak Jaya / Carstensz Pyramid (Oceania) – 1h 48m (Oct 17, 2024)
Maciel’s latest record on Carstensz Pyramid (4,884m) saw her scaling steep limestone rock walls, completing her run on Oceania’s tallest and technically demanding peak in 1 hour and 48 minutes, verified by SkyRunning World Records.
Remaining Summits: Fernanda Maciel will take on Denali in Alaska (North America), and Mount Everest (Asia) to complete her dream of setting Fastest Known Times (FKTs) on all of the highest summits on the seven continents.
Philanthropic Efforts at Each Peak
Maciel’s connection to the environment is central to her purpose on the Seven Summits. Before her career in ultrarunning, she worked as an environmental lawyer, and she continues to champion conservation through her climbs. Each summit brings attention to the planet’s most fragile ecosystems, aiming to inspire collective action for preservation and sustainability.
Maciel explained: “My goal is not just to set records but to show the beauty and resilience of these environments. I hope people can see the power of nature through my journeys and feel motivated to protect it.”
- Kilimanjaro: In addition to setting the women’s FKT, Maciel visited the Kilimanjaro Orphanage Centre, offering support to local children.
- Antarctica: While setting a record on Mount Vinson, she collaborated with the Antarctic Science Foundation to study climate change’s impact on plankton, spotlighting fragile ecosystems affected by rising global temperatures.
- Elbrus: In Russia, Maciel supported “Crisiscenter.ru,” an organization aiding women who have survived violence, combining her physical achievements with social advocacy.
- Aconcagua: Drawing on her background as an environmental lawyer, Maciel engaged with Mendoza officials to raise awareness on sustainable waste management for Aconcagua Park, addressing the heavy impact of climbers on the region’s environment.
Through her climbs, Maciel not only sets records but also brings attention to pressing issues in some of the world’s most remote locations. (Red Bull Content Pool)
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