Sibusiso Vilane Completes World’s Highest Marathon on Tallest Volcano
Good Things Guy | 25.02.2026 20:30
The South African adventurer completed a 42.2km descent marathon on Ojos del Salado in Chile, nearly 7,000 metres above sea level, in what is believed to be the world’s highest marathon.
Nelspruit, South Africa (25 February 2026) – South African adventurer Sibusiso Vilane has once again pushed the boundaries of human endurance, this time by completing what is believed to be the World’s Highest Marathon on Ojos del Salado in Chile, the tallest volcano on the planet, standing at 6,893 metres above sea level.
For Sibusiso, however, the question is not why he keeps seeking extreme challenges, but why he wouldn’t.
“I have been thinking about that for a long time and I have never found an answer,” he reflects. “But the shortest answer I discovered was that there’s something deep inside me that has a yearning, a calling to go out there and challenge my potential, which I believe is limitless.”
He describes an inner void that can only be filled by action. Completing a challenge brings satisfaction, but only for a short period of time.
“A week later, I feel that no, this is okay, but you’re not there yet.”
It is this restless pursuit of growth that has carried him from the slopes of Everest to the icy lands of the South Pole. And now, nearly 7,000 metres above sea level for a 42.2km descent marathon in thin air where oxygen levels sit at roughly 44% of those at sea level.
The invitation to take part in the marathon came from Paul Gurney of BecomingX in the UK. Sibusiso’s response was quick. There was no need to think too much about it.
“You realise that I’m not the kind of person who would normally say no to such an adventure. So yes, I’m in.”
Now, what of all these adventures which one was the most difficult to endure?
He believes it was years of experience that prepared him. Climbing Mount Everest, skiing more than 1,000km to the South Pole and completing the Comrades Marathon all played a role. Yet none of those pushed him to his absolute limit. One would think surely it must’ve been one of these challenges, but no.
“What almost did that for me was walking up and down the Westcliff steps in Johannesburg for more than 34 hours. I was a walking zombie by the time I finished there.”
Out of 10 runners who set out to summit and then run down, only five ultimately made it to the top to begin the marathon. Many dropped back due to the cold and steep terrain. Sibusiso remained mentally fixed on standing at the summit and pressing start on his watch.
Acclimatisation was key. The team followed a gradual programme, spending nights at high altitude and undertaking staged climbs to allow their bodies to adapt. By summit night, Sibusiso felt fully prepared. Support is what made this possible. From guides who led and resupplied them, to a driver named Gavin who followed the runners through the night offering encouragement and even hot coffee at 3am, teamwork was everything.
For Sibusiso, the word ‘impossible’ doesn’t exist in his vocabulary. And for him, climbing mountains is about growth and the belief that only you can stop yourself from achieving what seems impossible.
Beyond the physical achievement, Sibusiso remains grounded in purpose. As a motivational speaker and humanitarian, he draws a clear distinction between happiness and fulfilment.
“What we do gives us happiness, but happiness is short. Why we do it, serving a purpose beyond yourself gives you fulfilment. And fulfilment lasts.”
