To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the first human ascent of Mount Everest, Nepal will hold the world’s highest-altitude Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon on the 29th of this month, while also adding a new 60-kilometer ultra-marathon.
Ten years ago, to mark the 50th anniversary of the first ascent of the world’s highest peak by Nepali Tenzing Norgay and New Zealander Edmund Hillary, Nepal established the Everest Marathon named after the two. The race covers a full distance of 42.195 kilometers, starting from Everest Base Camp at an altitude of 5,364 meters and finishing at Syangboche at 3,720 meters.
Bikram Pandey, organizer of both marathons, said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua News Agency on the 12th that the newly added ultra-marathon shares the same start and finish points as the existing marathon, but extends the distance to 60 kilometers to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the first successful ascent of the world’s highest peak.
According to data provided by the organizers, as of the 12th, in addition to Nepali runners, 120 participants from 18 countries and regions including the Netherlands, the UK, Australia, and Germany have confirmed their participation in the two marathons to be held at the end of May. Among them, one runner each is from China, India, Switzerland, Sweden, Singapore, and South Korea.
Bikram Pandey stated that due to the high risk involved, the vast majority of people are unable to climb Everest, but anyone who is physically fit and determined can take part in the Everest Marathon. The entry fee is only a symbolic 2,000 Nepalese rupees (about 140 RMB). Of course, to ensure environmental protection and safety, the number of participants will be limited to fewer than 300.
It is reported that the organizers will also provide a helicopter and two doctors on standby for participants, ready to respond promptly in case of emergencies.
Thirty-two-year-old Nepali Tipak has participated in the Everest Marathon four times, winning three times, and is now a staff member of the marathon organizing committee. He told reporters that taking part in the Everest Marathon changed his life. Although his life is not yet very affluent, he is already very content.
Bikram Pandey said: “Tenzing and Hillary came from different countries. They reached the highest point of Mother Earth, symbolizing that humanity, when united, can overcome hardships and achieve success.”