According to Bikram Pandey, the founder and director of event, the marathon will commemorate the first successful ascent of Mount Everest by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary on May 29,1953.[break]
The 42.195 km marathon will begin from Everest Base Camp located at the height of 5364 meter and finish at Namche Bazaar (3446 meter).
The event will feature marathon in five different categories -- open, female, male international, female international and half marathon.
According to Event Manager Shikhar Pandey, the main purpose of the event is to promote tourism. "We want to promote Nepal as one of the best destinations for adventure sports. The marathon also provides opportunity for Sherpa runners to show their physical endurance and running potential in such ultra events," Shikhar said.
The marathon which started on May 19, 2003 is being conducted annually since and now it has become an internationally recognized event.
More than 100 foreigners from different countries including Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Belgium, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Netharlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, South Africa, England and America have already registered their name for particiation in the marathon. The organizers have expected participation of more than 50 Nepali runners in the event. A total of 200 athletes are likely to participate in the event.
"We have not yet decided cash prizes for top three runners as we are still holding talks with the sponsors. We are trying to increase the cash prize," Shikhar said.
The top three players in men´s section were given of Rs 80,000, Rs 40,000 and Rs 25,000 while 40,000, Rs 25,000 and Rs 16,000 was given to women winners in last edition. The winners of other categories will also be awarded.
Sudip Kulung was the defending champion in men´s section and Ang Futi Sherpa was the winner in women´s section.
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