Purna Bahadur Tamang, Samir Tamang and Ram Bhandari were the other army men who finished in the top four positions. Tirtha Tamang from Bhojpur district, timed 4 hour 23 minute 29 seconds to complete the race ahead of Puna Tamang (4:23:51) and Samir Tamang (4:35:07). [break]
The top three position holders received Rs 50,000, Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000 respectively.
The winner said that he was happy to win the title. He further added that he was not confident to complete the marathon within four hours as the track was tough. “I will try to improve the timing that I have set this year,” added Tamang.
Three-time Everest Marathon champion Sherpa claimed the title with a timing of 6:02:02 in women´s section. Dolma Sherpa (7:31:48) and Parbati Kumari Bista (7:40:51) finished second and third respectively.
Yangdi said that she was happy with the result. “I am happy to claim the title completing the tough route successfully.” Yangdi said that the track was more dangerous than at the Everest. “Athletes frequently suffer from high altitude problem in Everest, but the track in Annapurna is sloppy and dangerous,” said Yangdi.
Yangdi had won Everest Marathon in 2004, 2005 and 2007, while she finished third in 2006. Apart from it, she won Everest Lhafuma Sky Race Marathon (2006), Solukhumbu Trial of 350km (2008 and 2010).
The top three position holders in women´s section bagged a purse of Rs 25,000, Rs 20,000, Rs 15,000 respectively.
The marathon had started from the southern pole of the Annapurna-I Base Camp (4500metres) and passed from Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m), Deurali, Himalaya, Dobhan, Bamboo, Sinuwa, Chhomrong, Jhinu, New Bridge, Landruk, Tolka, Deurali, Pothana and ended at the Dr Harka Gurung, Dr Chandra Prasad Gurung, Mingma Sherpa Memorial Garden Dhampus.
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