Everest Marathon: Wednesday 5th December 2007

We are back and mission accomplished!

As summed up in one of the official reports issued on the Race website:

'This race is not a 26.2 mile race – it is an 20 day endurance event!'

This is exactly what it was!

The biggest challenge was being fit and getting to the start line. Living in tents at sub zero temperatures, poor food and poor hygiene/sanitation made it extremely difficult. A number of the 70 Western Competitors suffered altitude sickness, deep vein thrombosis, chest infections, vomiting and diarrhoea were commonplace.

The Race started at Everest Base Camp 5364m, the temperature ranging from -25°C to 20°C during the course of the day and from a height of 17500ft with an ascent/descent of 6500ft.

To see 'Everest' at close quarters is truly inspirational and a sight never to be forgotten. There are so many fantastic mountains but they all pale into insignificance when you see the might of Everest.

For those interested in race statistics the first home was a local in 4.12.21 hours with Michael & Stephen following in a very respectable time of 8.32.30 hrs and 8.44.43 hrs respectively, placed 54th & 56th in a field of 88 starters.

Having seen at first hand the incredibly poor state of the area in which we trekked & raced we are delighted to have raised in excess of £14,000 for the Everest Marathon Fund which will be supporting local hospitals & schools, clean water & sanitation, Nepal Leprosy and Tuberculosis Projects.

A great experience but not to be repeated!

Steve Abram