Everest Marathon on Oct 5

Kathmandu / September 24:  Himalaya Expeditions Nepal is organising the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon on October 5, pushing the date for more than six months behind the originally scheduled date.

The marathon usually takes place on May 29 marking the day when Sir Edmond Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa conquered the world’s highest peak but it had to be pushed back due to the 7.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25 this year, informed the organisers during a press meet on Tuesday.

A total of 30 foreign runners have already confirmed their participation, while at least 40 local runners are expected to compete in the 42.195km marathon that will begin from Everest Base Camp (5364 metres) before ending at Namche Bazaar (3446m). The high-altitude marathon is into its 13th edition after it began from 2003.

Event Manager Shikhar Pandey said the marathon would be an opportunity to revive Nepali tourism. “We have taken it as a big publicity campaign for the international tourism market for the promotion and revival of Nepali tourism,” said Pandey.

The top three finishers in the open category marathon will pocket a cash purse of Rs 100,000, Rs 75,000 and Rs 50,000 respectively. The top three athletes in the foreigner category will get Rs 50,000, Rs 35,000 and Rs 25,000. Likewise, the women’s marathon and half marathon podium finishers will get Rs 50,000, Rs 35,000 and Rs 25,000.