Ain’t no mountain high enough. Charlotte native Molly Belk recently made the history books by setting the women’s world record for the fastest known time climbing up and down Mt. Meru — the second-highest peak in the East African country of Tanzania.
Most hikers spend three to four days reaching the 14,980-ft. summit and descending. It took Belk 11 hours and four minutes.
Belk’s record was inspired by a dream — but not her own.
“I had been to Tanzania a couple of times, so I had seen the mountain before,” said Belk, who spoke exclusively with CLTtoday. “My mom literally had a dream a couple months before we left for the trip and she was like, ‘I had a dream that you set some record up Mount Meru.’ And I was like, ‘well, I guess we’ll have to make it happen.’”
Belk was no stranger to adventure and the outdoors — having spent time farming, camping, and ultra running. So, she welcomed the challenge, laced up and climbed Mt. Meru, though, altitude proved to be a challenge.
“I left a lot of room for improvement for anybody who wants to go take that record from me,” said Belk.
Belk made the hike in support of The Foundation For Tomorrow (TFTT), a Charlotte-based nonprofit empowering students in Tanzania through education and emotional support.
“Her record-breaking feat highlights the limitless potential within us all when we are driven by passion and purpose,” said TFFT Executive Director Miller Bianucci.
What’s next?
“I’ve been wanting to run the length of Shenandoah National Park. I would love to do it in three days. It’s like 100 miles. I’ve got my eyes on some adventures with friends,” explained Belk.
