Fuelled on an instant noodle, Brazilian ultrarunner sets another incredible FKT on Seven Summits quest

Brazilian ultrarunner Fernanda Maciel has set the Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the highest peak in Oceania – Carstensz Pyramid.

Also known as Puncak Jaya and located in Indonesia, her record-breaking ascent and descent was completed in just one hour and 48 minutes and is the fifth summit in her Seven Summits ascent quest.

The Seven Summits are the tallest peaks on each continent and with only Denali and Everest remaining, Maciel is close to completing this elite challenge.

She reached the summit of Carstensz Pyramid (4,884 meters) in just one hour and four minutes, before completing the round trip back to base camp and the FKT has now been verified by SkyRunning World Records.

‘This mountain is very frightening’

The Red Bull athlete said afterwards: “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.”

A former environmental lawyer, 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.

Maciel’s Seven Summits FKTs

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. Her visit included support for “Crisiscenter.ru,” aiding women in recovery from violence.

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. While there, she collaborated with the Antarctic Science Foundation to study climate change’s impact on plankton.

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, and Mount Everest to complete her dream of setting Fastest Known Times (FKTs) on Seven Summits.