Eastern Mountain Sports Adventures, Treks & Trails, the adventure travel division of this well known outdoor gear retailer, is now the official U.S. registration agent for the Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon.
Held every year on the anniversary of the first successful summit of the world's tallest mountain, the Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon has the highest starting point of any marathon in the world.
Participants will acclimatize by trekking to Everest Base Camp before the start at the base of the famous Khumbu Ice Fall (18,000 ft.). From there, the race proceeds along yak paths and hiking trails to the village of Namche at an elevation of just 11,300 feet. Along the way, there are several steep climbs and descents upwards of 2,000' each. The race route is considered one of the most spectacular places on earth -- surrounded by 20,000' peaks and passing next to world renowned Tibetan monasteries. The race takes participants over a combination of glacial moraines, wide winding trails and steep, rocky sections. Along the way, each runner will have to negotiate all sorts of obstacles -- from wandering yaks to groups of trekkers and trail crews - since this is an active throughway to and from Everest.
Included in the cost of entry is a 20 day fully supported trek to Everest Base Camp, which starts upon arrival in Kathmandu, the host city, on May 14th.
The racers (and non-racing supporters) will fly from Kathmandu to the mountainside village of Lukla on May 16th. The group will take 12 days to reach EBC on foot, with acclimatization stops along the way. The group will include a doctor and the Nepal Olympic marathon coach, primarily to advise participants as they reach higher altitudes.
On May 27th, the group will reach the race's tent city at Everest Base Camp, and stay there until the start of the race on May 29th at 7:00am. The first finishers should be arriving in Namche at around 10:30am (the current record is 3:28:27, held by a Nepalese man from the lowlands of Nepal's Solu Khumbu district).
Race information, costs and other details can be found at www.emstrek.com