Mount Everest Marathon
- The world`s highest marathon
- Run from Everest Basecamp to Namche Bazaar
- Accurately measured course and full marshalling
- Established event in Nepal held annually since 2003
- Coincides with the anniversary of the first ascent of Everest
Wednesday 29th May 2013 will be Race Day for the 10th annual Tenzing-Hillary Mount Everest Marathon. Starting at Everest Basecamp (5364m), close beneath the spectacular Khumbu Icefall, this is the highest marathon in the world. First run in 2003 as an event for local runners, the race now has a more international reputation and typically includes runners from a dozen nations. The route leads mostly downhill on rough tracks and trails, through the spectacular homeland of the Sherpa people, to Namche Bazaar (3446m). A sting in the tail, however, is the 500 metre ascent from Phunki Tenga to Kunde, before the final descent into Namche. In 2006, Deepak Rai set the record for the route at 3 hours, 28 minutes and 27 seconds. To take part in the race, runners must sign up for this 21-day Mount Everest Marathon package. With 4 nights in the colourful capital city of Kathmandu and a 10-day trek to Everest Basecamp that includes 2 additional days for acclimatisation, this is a fantastic adventure. During the trek, the runners will be accompanied by experienced local guides and a full local support crew, including doctors who will monitor the runners' physical condition. On race day, there will be an official timekeeper, a team of marshals, regular checkpoints and drinks/feeding stations, as well as medical and emergency evacuation support. Although mostly downhill, this is a challenging route, with snow and ice at the highest level and a lot of rocky and exposed sections of trail. The race is only suitable for runners who regularly train or race under cross-country, trail, fell or mountain conditions. Relatives and friends can sign up for the trek and accompany the competitors as non-running group members.
For some fantastic ideas to extend your holiday in Nepal, from riding elephants in Chitwan to tours in Bhutan or Tibet - check out extensions
Is this holiday for you?
High in the Himalaya of Nepal, with the start line at 5364 metres, this is not a normal marathon! It is vital that anyone considering this event has adequate altitude acclimatisation - and this was one of our main concerns when setting up the itinerary. The route that we follow is the usual Everest Basecamp approach, but we have allowed 3 rest and acclimatisation days ahead of the race. We think that we have got the balance right. Generally, the trekking conditions on this trip are relatively easy, following good paths and yak trails throughout except for the final stretch to Basecamp which follows a trail through moraine rubble and boulders. Additionally, as the Khumbu is Nepal's most popular trekking destination, the area is well supplied with teashops and lodges and the trails between these are well-used and present easy walking conditions. It should be noted however, that trekking at altitudes above 3000 metres (10,000 feet) makes greater demands on the body than walking at low elevations and can be challenging even for fit hikers. With our additional days for acclimatisation at Namche Bazaar, at Dingboche and at Everest Basecamp itself, this itinerary should provide near optimal preparation for the marathon. By its nature this is a difficult trip to grade. The trekking involved is reasonably straightforward although quite challenging due to the high altitude, but naturally the main challenge of this trip is the marathon itself .
You may also be interested in...
Everest the Hard Way Trek - Nepal, Trek & Walk 22 days
The Ultimate Everest Trek - Nepal, Trek & Walk 20 days
Everest Base Camp Trek - Nepal, Trek & Walk 17 days
