85-Year-Old Man Attempts to Become Oldest to Summit Kilimanjaro

September 16, 2014 - Dr. Robert J. Wheeler wants to become the oldest man to climb to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Wheeler, who is over 85 and a half years old, seeks to earn a spot in the Guinness World Records(TM) as the oldest person to climb to the top of Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak and the world's highest freestanding mountain. Wheeler will trek to the top of Kilimanjaro (19,340 feet tall) in northeastern Tanzania, with adventure travel outfitter Adventures Within Reach. Wheeler and his son, William "Jack" Wheeler, 46, will begin their seven-day trek on the Marangu Route in September 2014, after spending two extra nights acclimatizing to the altitude. The Marangu Route is the most popular route to the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Wheeler is an accomplished climber, having already summited various other high world peaks – Mt. Fuji in Japan, Aconcagua in Argentina, as well as several in the United States, including Mt. Whitney. On many of these climbs, Wheeler was also accompanied by his son Jack. Wheeler published stories of their climbs in his book, Mountains and Minds, which alternates climbing stories with research results about why people pursue difficult tasks like mountain climbing. Wheeler is preparing a second edition of his book that will add a research chapter and an account of his Kilimanjaro climb (to be available at www.wheelerrj.com).

Wheeler's attempt at becoming the oldest person to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro is the second by a client of Adventures Within Reach. "Dick Byerley, an Adventures Within Reach client, summited Kilimanjaro on October 6, 2011 at the age of 84. He is such an inspiration to so many climbers on Kilimanjaro. I am amazed that we have another climber ready to break his record so soon. Robert Wheeler shows us that we are never too old realize our dreams," says Robin Paschall, owner of Adventures Within Reach. Adventures Within Reach, based in Boulder, CO, is a travel tour operator that specializes in customized, affordable adventures.

About Adventures Within Reach
Adventures Within Reach offers treks and cultural tours to Tanzania, Peru, Galapagos, and the Himalayas. AWR sends thousands of people each year on their dream adventure to Tanzania. For more information about specific packages and prices, contact Adventures Within Reach at 303-500-5047, or visit http://www.AdventuresWithinReach.com

Note to Editors:
The current oldest Guinness World Record(TM) holder is Martin Kafer (Switzerland, born May 10, 1927), who reached the summit of Kilimanjaro at age 85 years, 144 days, on October 1, 2012.

Dick Byerley, an Adventures Within Reach client, summited Kilimanjaro on October 6, 2011 at the age of 84 to become the Guinness World Record(TM) holder prior to Kafer.

87-year-old Frenchman Valtee Daniel purportedly reached Kilimanjaro's summit, but his ascent was not documented.

Photos of Robert Wheeler and Kilimanjaro are available upon request.