Red Bull notes that its sponsored ultrarunner Fernanda Maciel has ‘redefined the limits of human endurance’ 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 Maciel’s 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 challenge.
On October 17, 2024, Maciel reached the summit of Carstensz Pyramid (4,884m) 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.
The seven summits quest includes the tallest peaks on each continent. With only Denali and Everest remaining, she is close to completing the demanding challenge.
Red Bull added that… ‘As a former environmental lawyer, Fernanda Maciel’s seven summits journey is fuelled 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.’
On October 17, 2024, Fernanda Maciel took on the ambitious challenge of setting the FKT on Carstensz Pyramid, also known as Puncak Jaya. Covering 3.41km from base camp at 4,300m, she ascended 582m 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.
Fernanda Maciel said “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.”
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.
