Sunday, June 2, 2013

Everest Marathon

The Everest Marathon is the highest marathon in the world.   The start line is at Gorak Shep 5184m (17,000 feet), close to Everest Base Camp in Nepal.   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.   

It is the world''s most spectacular race and has been held fourteen times since 1987.

To acclimatise naturally to the high altitude all runners join together for a 26 day holiday in Nepal.   This holiday combines sightseeing in the capital, Kathmandu, a 15 day trek to the start under medical supervision, ascents of Gokyo Ri (5483m) and Kala Pattar (5623m) for the best views of Everest and one of the most gruelling races in the world.

Although the course is basically down hill, there are two steep uphill sections.   There may be snow and ice on the upper part and there is considerable exposure along much of the route.   For this reason the race is only suitable for runners with recent experience of cross country, fell or mountain running and endurance events.   Experience of rough terrain is essential and road marathon experience is not sufficient on its own.

Acclimatisation

In order to acclimatise naturally to the high altitude, the race is preceded by a 15 day trek in the Everest region. This allows time for high altitude training under medical supervision. Before the race most people will have a chance to ascend both Gokyo Ri (5483m) and Kala Pattar (5623m) from where there are splendid views of Everest across the Khumbu glacier. After the race competitors are flown back to Kathmandu from the high altitude airstrip at Lukla.

The Marathon

The race starts at 6:30 am and there are cut-off points at Tengboche monastery (14 miles - 12.30 pm) and Chorkhung (20 miles - 2.30 pm), just above Namche Bazaar. The last 6 miles, out to Thamo and back, are on an exhausting undulating trail. It is essential to finish by nightfall at 6.00 pm.
There is likely to be snow and ice at the start of the course. The terrain is very varied: boulders, grass, sandy scree, stone staircases, trails through forest and exposed paths which contour the mountain sides. The trails will seem quite good to those used to mountain or fell running but there are additional hazards by way of narrow suspension bridges and yak trains. The race course is not marked and it is the responsibility of each runner to learn the route on the trek up.
There are aid posts approximately every 3 miles each staffed by a marshal who can provide refreshments. Doctors are also available at some aid posts to provide medical cover.






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