The marathon, organized by Hong Kong based Racing the Planet, at difficult geographical location was completed by 213 runners. [break]
In course of securing top position, the 29-year-old South African claimed pole position on all seven days of the race which began at 7:00 am and concluded by 16:00 in the evening. Stefano of Italy secured second position.
"I did not feel weary while running through the beautiful and green mountains of Nepal," Sandes said, adding, "It was a great opportunity for me to see the beautiful landscape of Nepal in my first visit."
The marathon had kicked off on November 20 from Masrdikhol, Kaski, and finished on November 26 at Phulbari Resort, Pokhara, via Baglung, Myagdi and Parbat. In total, 220 runners from across the 42 countries participated in the event.
Stefano of Italy commented that running around lower Annarpurna was challenging and difficult than running along other parts of the world.
"A runner has to pass through uphill and downhill at lower Annapurna. Though it was the first time that I took part in such an event, passing through green mountains and beautiful landscape gave me immense pleasure," said Stefano.
The marathon was participated by 55 Americans, the highest number of runners from a single country. Similarly, 71-year-old British woman Jenifer was the surprise package.
According to Suman Pandey, the Nepal representative of Racing the Planet, 43 runners quit the marathon midway due to fatigue, illness or other reasons. Pandey, however, said, "The number of pull out was minimum compared to other such marathons abroad."
The runners were accompanied by a 10-member doctor team and 42 foreign and 45 Nepali volunteers for emergency rescue in case of accident, according to Racing the Planet.
According to Pandey, more than 600 runners from across the globe had applied to participate in the race. "But we selected only 220 among them due to difficult geographical location," he said. Runners themselves need to carry logistics such as food, sleeping bag, etc. The entry fee for the marathon was $ 3500.
Racing the Planet has been organizing international level ultra marathon since 2002. The marathon conducted in Pokhara was the 30th edition.
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