Starting from Mount Everest Base Camp, the Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon is the world’s highest marathon, with the start point located 5,364m above sea level. Widely acknowledged for the beautiful Himalayan landscape, thrill and adrenaline rush, this is also “probably the most adventurous trail run in the world”!
The upcoming race in 29 May 2015 will be the 13th edition of this annual race, which has been held since 2003, and will also commemorate the 62th anniversary of the very first Everest ascent by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary.
Ultra-endurance athletes will be delighted to know the Everest Marathon added a 60km Ultra Marathon in 2013 to celebrate the diamond jubilee (60 years) of the first ascent of Everest! After the grand success of the marathon, the 60km Ultra Marathon has also received encouraging responses from participants all across the globe.
Come for the Marathon, Stay for the 3 Week Vacation!
All participants of are requested to be in Nepal 21 days prior to the race for acclimatizing to the high altitude. This 3 week vacation combines sightseeing tour in the capital, Kathmandu, a 14 day trek to the marathon starting point under medical supervision, and an ascent of Kala Patthar.
The journey begins with a sweeping scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, then a trek through Sherpa villages with beautiful view of the world’s highest snow-capped peaks. The highest spot of this trip is Kala Patthar at 5,545m, from the summit of which you can enjoy a breathtakingly panoramic view of Himalayan peaks, ranges and glaciers including Mount Everest a stone’s throw away.
Safety is Top Concern for all Race Participants
Although the course of the Everest Marathon is basically downhill, there are 2 steep uphill sections. There may be snow and ice on the upper part and considerable exposure along much of the marathon route. Besides establishing the Everest Marathon as the toughest running event in the world, race organiser Himalayan Expedition is also equally concerned for the safety of the runners.
Event Manager Shikhar Pandey said,
“Besides the basic safety procedures of marshals and doctors at different checkpoints & trail markers such as ribbons and flags so participants do not get lost, we also have stationed a helicopter as standby at Namche till mid-afternoon. If there is serious injury, we will send the helicopter to evacuate participants. The challenge is that you can never predict weather patterns in Mountains.”
Pandey added that one can never be too sure of race conditions on race day,
“Nature has surprised everyone this year with heavy snowfall; hopefully there won’t be heavy snow in 2015. The weather forecast for next year’s race day on 29 May is positive. The route will also be more dramatic, technical and dangerous; A challenge for all the runners!”
Run and Meet Fellow Thrill Seekers from All Over the World!
Runners across the globe from 20 countries (including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, India, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and more) will be running along with local Sherpa runners, who have been the dominant force since the inauguration of this race.
Brazil’s renowned ultra-runner Bernado Fonseca, the winner of the Antarctic Ice Marathon & 100K Ultra Race, is all set to overcome the Everest challenge. He will be competing in the Everest Marathon’s 60km Ultra Marathon category next year. Fonsesca added,
“I want to test and challenge the limitations of my body. The local Sherpa seem like they are from another planet. It is almost impossible to beat them.”
So far, 135 runners are competing in the full marathon including 96 international athletes and 39 locals. There are 5 international athletes in the Half Marathon, 10 international athletes and 7 locals in 60k Extreme Challenge category. Singapore’s very own SG Blade Runner, Mohd Shariff will be attempting the Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon next year! Do you have the guts and tenacity to join him?
The Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon will be held on 29 May 2015 at the Mount Everest Base Camp. International registrations are now open. The full marathon with camping option cost USD$2,500 (S$3,222) and USD$2,700 (S$3,478) with Lodge option.
