Iceman runs up Mount Kilimanjaro as he wins 26th world record

A daredevil record-holder dubbed the ‘Iceman’ showed he can keep a cool head after scrambling to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in record time.

Wim Hof, 55, holds a whopping 26 Guinness World Records for extreme sports challenges, including running a full marathon above the Arctic circle wearing only a pair of shorts.

But father-of-five Wim, from Sittard, Holland, proved he has ice in his veins after his 18-strong climbing group scaled Africa’s highest mountain in a record time of 31 hours and 25 minutes.

Proud Wim said: “This year’s Kilimanjaro challenge was to show that a group of people without mountaineering experience could scale the mountain within 36 hours by using a specific breathing technique."

“Not only did we reached our goal, three hours faster than anticipated, but we showed no signs of mountain sickness which is deemed to be impossible. We did it and we are all feeling euphoric."

“The next time we will climb Kilimanjaro with trained people in co-operation with the Kilimanjaro Christian research centre."

Wim and the group of pioneers reached the summit of the 19,340 foot high mountain on January 15 to scoop his 26th world record.

The Iceman’s impressive list of records include running a full marathon in the Namibian desert without drinking water and hanging on one finger at an altitude of 2,000 metres.

He has also been immersed in blocks of ice for a spine-chilling one hour, 52 minutes and 42 seconds to claim the record for having the longest ice bath.

Ice cool Wim said he can endure sub-zero temperatures as he has the ability to ‘turn his own thermostat up’ by using his mind.

Experts revealed during deep meditation, Wim’s brain is able to send messages to other parts of his body telling them to keep warm. In most other people, body temperatures would drop dangerously low but Wim still believes people can control their body temperature by concentrating hard.

He said: “I feel like I can control my own body as if I have a thermostat that I can adjust when I need to."

“The most challenging record was climbing Everest in just a pair of shorts. Swimming beneath the ice and not finding the hole back was quite a frightening experience too. But I’m confident enough because I know what my body can cope with."

“It all requires a lot of focus as they are very challenging and therefore exciting to do, so it’s all worthwhile in the long-term. It is a lifestyle that I have chosen to take therefore I train everyday wherever I am."

“I don’t bother with gyms, I just workout where I happen to be whether it’s in the garden or at home." ...DailyMirror