(Updated with foreign national´s results at 1300 NST, 0815 GMT)
NAMCHE BAZAR, May 29: Furba Tamang, 21, won the seventh Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon on Friday, the world’s highest attitude marathon organized to mark the first ascent on the world’s tallest peak.
Tamang completed the distance in three hours 40 minutes 47 seconds – well ahead of his own elder brother Ram Kumar Tamang, who finished second completing the race in four hours seven minutes two seconds. Sudeep Kulung finished third two minutes behind him.[break]
Three-time champions Deepak Rai did not participate due to injury.
“I could have finished with better timing if there was not snow for 21 kilometers,” Furba said after winning.
When asked about absence of Deepak, last year’s runners-up said: “I would have competed well because this year, my health is good.”
Among women´s, Mingma Chhongi Sherpa stood first with a timing of five hours five minutes 32 seconds. She was followed by Ang Futi Sherpa (5h 21m 24sec) and Ming Futi Sherpa (5h 21m 34sec).
Meanwhile, among foreign nationals, Indian Army´s Shyam Kesho finished first ahead of compatriot Om Kumar. Kesho timed five hours 37 minutes 25 seconds to finish one minute 21 seconds ahead of Kumar. Indian Army completed podium lineup as T Ganapati secured third position completing the race in six hours six minutes and 41 seconds.