Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon & Extreme Ultra

Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon is probably the most adventurous trail run in the world. The journey begins with a sweeping scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, then we trek through Sherpa villages with beautiful view of the world’s highest snowcapped peaks. The highest spot of this trip is Kalapatthar at 5545m/18,200 ft, from the summit of which we can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Himalayan peaks, ranges and glaciers including Mt Everest a stone’s throw away.

With New Mount Everest Height 8848.86m, from the Government of Nepal, the Marathon will run as “New Higher Mount Everest Marathon” to celebrate the new increase of Mount Everest Height after the 2015 Earthquake in Nepal.

The Everest Marathon is an international high altitude adventure sports event held on May 29 every year from Mt. Everest Base Camp crisscrossing the high Sherpa trails of Khumbu valley. This event celebrates the historical successful ascent of Mt. Everest by Late Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary on 29th May 1953.

Runners from everywhere can take part in their desired categories 60 km Extreme Ultra, 42 km Full Marathon, and 21 Km Half Marathon. Runners from all walks of life take part in this event – from highly professionals to new runners.

Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon is not just a running event – it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Starting from Everest Base Camp the Full Marathon, the Olympic Style, 42.195KM (Golden Jubliee Celebration Trail) ends at Namche Bazar. Each year hundreds of participants run the full category in Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon. Participants will camp at Everest Base Camp before the race day. The course of Full Marathon is mostly downhill and is a trekking trail hence caution while running is a must. The trails of the 42.195 km Marathon descend through Gorakshep and head down towards Dingboche where runners will make a loop at Biber. From here, the tracks will be descended to Namche via Kyanjuma.

Participants will climb Kala Patthar, a view spot at 5,643 m before the race. Glorious views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and other mountains are visible in a panoramic structure from Kala Patthar.

The 21Km Marathon is the shortest distance in Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon which is three-seven digits (7+7+7 km), which has a very high spiritual meaning in Buddhism. We add another seven for 7 meters, making our marathon 21km + 7 m to spiritualize run connected with Lord Buddha’s Life. By doing this we also earn some spiritual value in our RUN for our Everest Marathon Runners.

Buddhist philosophy believes that buddha walked seven steps immediately after birth, Queen Maya Devi died after seven days after giving birth to Buddha, on the seventh year during his meditation Sakya Prince Siddhartha Gautam got enlightenment in Bodhgaya. Buddha’s body was kept for seven days after his death for the Emperors and Kings to arrive there to decide what to do next.

Starting from Dingboche the tracks of the half marathon end at Namche Bazar. Mostly downhill, the track is a trekking trail. Hence, we recommend some good trail running shoes. The half marathon is an exciting yet adventurous run that starts exactly on the half point of the Full Marathon.

The 60KM ultra-marathon (Diamond Jubliee Celebration Trail) is for extreme adventure. Starting from Everest Marathon, tracks of the ultra-marathon start from Everest Base Camp and end at Namche Bazaar like the full marathon. However, the ultramarathon moves towards Nha La from Phortse and descends via Mongla towards Namche Bazaar, making it an ultimate adventure run.