The Event

Inspired and encouraged by the grand success of Everest Marathon held on May 19, 2003 to commemorate Golden Jubilee Celebration of ascent on Mt. Everest by Late Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary, Himalaya Expeditions have taken a step further by giving a lifeline to this marathon by organising it annually on May 29. The support and suggestion provided by the grandson of Late Tenzing Norgay Sherpa has motivated us to organise this marathon under the banner of Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon in the everlasting memory of two legendary figures.

3rd Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon is slated to organise on May 29, 2005, 52nd anniversary of ascent on Mt. Everest by Tenzing and Hillary. Since the name of Tenzing and Hillary have been associated with Mt. Everest, marathon will be a most befitting tribute to these great souls who climbed Everest for the first time in the history of human civilization.

About Marathon

The start line is at Everest Basecamp 5356m (17,149 feet) 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 to be held third time in 2005.

To acclimatise to the high altitude all runners are requested to be in Nepal three weeks prior to the race to be taken place in Nepal. This three week holiday combines sightseeing in the capital, Kathmandu, a 15 day trek to the start under medical supervision, an ascent of Kala Pattar (5623m) for the best views of Everest. 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. Experience of rough terrain is essential and road marathon experience is not sufficient to  run this marathon.

Getting around:

The Everest region is understandably one of the most popular and spectacular destinations for trekkers, and it offers some of the most fascinating and enjoyable trekking. Your acclimization trek begins  with a sweeping scenic flight to Lukla and the trek starts from here which follows many farm villages enroute with beautiful views of the high snow capped peaks of the world, and to the highest spot at Kalapatar for the outstanding breathtaking view panorama of peaks and its glacier including Mt. Everest at close stone throw distance.

During your trekking period upto Everest Basecamp, you will pass through the Everest National Park crossing through Namche Bazaar, Khumbu's Sherpa capital and Buddhist monasteries of Pangboche, one of the oldest in the area, and at Thyangboche, one of the newest as it was re-built after being burnt to the ground. A visit to Kala Patthar (5545m) will be rewarded with unmatched views of Nuptse, Everest, Lhotse. This marathon itself is a  part of trekking.