Everest Marathon - basic details
Specs
Start
The start line is at Gorak Shep 5184m (17,000 feet), close to Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
Finish
The finish is at the Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar at 3446m (11,300 feet) and the course is a measured 42 km (26.2 miles) over rough mountain trails.
The Event
Closing date for applications
Thu 30 Apr Closing date for applications (if race not already full).
Race dates
15th November ex UK to 10th December.
Actual race day is the 5th December 2009.
Other days are taken up with acclimatisation and trip.
Everest Marathon – Kepler Challenge Link
A new race within a race was happening out there on the Kepler Challenge this year. Following the twinning of the Kepler Challenge with a similar style event with degree of difficulty and time it takes to complete, 17 competitors turned up to take on the Kepler after missing last years race to take part in The Everest Marathon in Nepal. A new prize had been offered up to the fastest combined time between both races. The idea was engineered by UK runner and Everest Marathon website designer and group leader Mark Hawker and former Kepler Challenge Committee Organiser Cathy Lewsley whilst out on a training run on the Kepler track in 2006 with the aim of promoting both races on the international circuit of great races to do.
Mark Hawker interviewed during the race
There were three main contenders for the prize Sam Baker from Horowhenua, Simon Maister from Christchurch and David Brinson also from Christchurch who finished the Everest Marathon in that order. It had been a closely contended race in Nepal with only10 minutes separating them. David who had won the 1st Veterans prize in Nepal returned to give them a run for their money and whilst there was only 16 minutes between them this time it went well in Dave’s favour. He can now sit back and enjoy a luxury cruise in Doubtful Sound on board the Real Journeys overnight boat ‘The Navigator’ which was his prize for his efforts as he took out the winning place.
All the competitors agreed when asked on the finish line by Noel Walker, the commentator, that it was just as hard to complete the Kepler Challenge as the Everest race. For most it was taking up the challenge rather than the prize that had attracted them.
Eight of the competitors came from far of places such as Canada, USA, England and Scotland.
All agreed the scenery was as spectacular as Nepal and many stayed on to do some traveling before and after.
Everest Marathon Race Organiser – Diana Penny- Sherpani was there to present the prize and threw out a new challenge to offer a fastest combined time prize between the 2008 Kepler Challenge and 2009 Everest Marathon to be presented in Nepal.
2009 Everest Marathon Information
For information on the race go to www.everestmarathon.org.uk
Background information
This race is an experience of a lifetime and combines a month long fully supported holiday trekking in Nepal in the spectacular Everest region. It is extremely well organised and excellent value for money. The race entry fee covers the cost of most of the accommodation, food and flights within Nepal and you get a very high standard of medical support for this also. It works out cheaper than the average organised trip to Nepal and you get so much more in terms of a really unique experience where you will build special friendships as you set out to battle the common goal of The Everest Marathon. The interaction with the local people and the 150 sherpas, porters and cooks that accompany the group is in itself a very enjoyable experience.
I would recommend this trip to anyone who as completed the Kepler Challenge and with some luck you would definitely be capable of achieving it. It was honestly the best experience of my life so far.
Cathy Lewsley – 273rd = 9:10:06 Kepler Challenge 2008