From a surprise competition win to standing beneath the world's highest mountain, Katy White-Marsh's journey to the 2026 Everest Marathon is a testament to embracing opportunities, pushing beyond limits and saying "yes" to adventure.

On 29th May 2026, Katy joined 215 other runners to take on the world's highest marathon, a race that begins at Everest Base Camp and tests both physical endurance and mental resilience at extreme altitude. Having won the INOV8 x KE Adventure Natural High competition the previous year, she won the chance to embark on this extraordinary expedition through the heart of Nepal.

What followed was far more than a marathon. It was a journey of determination, friendship, breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences in the shadow of Mount Everest. We caught up with Katy after her return to hear about the challenge, the people she met along the way and what it felt like to complete one of the most renowned races on Earth.

"When I received the email telling me I had won the competition, I was genuinely shocked. I remembered clicking on the Instagram link; however, I never imagined I would actually win. The opportunity to trek to Everest Base Camp and take part in the Tenzing Everest Marathon felt incredible from the very beginning.

Although my preparation had its challenges, as I had to have knee surgery in January, I was determined to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. With the support of my physio and the training I had already put in, I arrived in Nepal excited for the adventure ahead.

I was apprehensive about meeting new people and being away from my husband — who is usually my partner in crime when I take on these crazy races. However, I shouldn’t have worried, as one of the highlights was the amazing group of people who shared the journey. I was welcomed into our little “gang” of KE Adventure people with open arms and found a great friend in my new roomie, Louise, as well as the other 10 people on the trip.

From the excitement of arriving in Kathmandu and meeting our guide, Raja, to the unforgettable flight into Lukla and the warm welcome from our Sherpa guides and porters, every day brought new memories. The trek to Everest Base Camp was breathtaking. Walking through the stunning landscapes of the Khumbu region, surrounded by towering mountains, was an experience I will never forget. You feel so insignificant there - Mother Nature truly is at her finest.

The weather soon changed to snow and ice, and that’s how it was at the start of the marathon.

Layered up in multiple light layers, ready to strip them off as we descended into warmer climates, we began the race. Although it’s technically downhill — starting from 5,385 metres — it is still extremely challenging. There are so many uphill sections along the way, which really do take your breath away. You truly appreciate the challenge when you realise the final 10km has a nine-hour cut-off — it’s brutal.

But despite it all, I did it… and I’m quite happy to never have to do it again! What an experience.

Crossing the finish line, seeing my new friends and cheering the other runners home felt like a full-circle moment for all of us. It was quite unbelievable to think we had run from Everest Base Camp in a single day when it had taken us so many days to trek there. 

It was truly an unforgettable experience with so many highs and lows. It was a privilege to stand in the shadow of Everest, experience the beauty of Nepal, and be part of such an extraordinary adventure.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of an experience I will never forget."

Katy won a place on our Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon trip. Starting at Everest Base Camp (5,364m), the marathon follows a spectacular route through the heart of the Khumbu region and the homeland of the Sherpa people, finishing in Namche Bazaar (3,446m). KE Adventure Travel is the only UK tour operator to offer the marathon alongside a fully guided and supported trek to Everest Base Camp, with accommodation, meals and logistics all included.

Inspired to take on this incredible challenge in 2027? Find out more information here.