‘Attempting to summit Kilimanjaro in one day is about expanding what's possible – not just on the mountain, but in life’: Hannah Otto wants to become the fastest woman to scale Mount Kilimanjaro in a day

Hannah Otto is preparing to become the fastest woman to summit Mount Kilimanjaro by bike within a single day, aiming to complete the 5,895-metre ascent in under 24 hours. The Tanzanian volcano stands as the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, and Otto’s attempt, scheduled for October, would mark a significant milestone in endurance cycling. This challenge is not only a personal athletic goal but also serves a charitable purpose, as she and her team have been fundraising for World Bicycle Relief over the past year. Otto’s motivation extends beyond breaking records; she views the attempt as a way to push boundaries both on the mountain and in life. The fundraising campaign aims to raise $165,000, which would enable the charity to provide 1,000 bicycles to rural communities worldwide. These bicycles have been shown to improve access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, with notable impacts such as a 28% reduction in student absenteeism and a 63% increase in health worker visits. Otto emphasises how the bike has transformed her own life and hopes to extend that impact globally through this initiative. With a strong background in endurance cycling, Otto has set multiple Fastest Known Times (FKTs) on challenging routes, including the longest climb in Hawaii and the White Rim Trail in Utah. At 30 years old, she has consistently ranked among the top competitors in the Life Time Grand Prix, demonstrating her experience and dedication to the sport. Otto and her team have allocated a 10-day window to complete the Kilimanjaro ascent, allowing for flexibility in tackling the demanding conditions. Otto’s reflections highlight the broader significance of cycling as a tool for connection and empowerment. She acknowledges the profound opportunities the bike has afforded her, from career development to personal relationships, and sees the Kilimanjaro challenge as a platform to raise awareness about the transformative power of bicycles worldwide. The campaign invites public support, encouraging donations to help expand the reach of World Bicycle Relief’s work in underserved communities.