KATHMANDU, May 16: More than 200 runners from 31 countries are participating in 15th series of Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon 2018 that is being held in Khumbu region on May 29, 2018.

Speaking at a press meet organized in Kathmandu on Wednesday, Shikhar Pandey, event manager of Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon, said over 200 runners, including around 150 foreign runners from 30 countries, stretching from Japan in the east to Peru in the west, are participating in the marathon. "The marathon is growing with each passing year. Over the 15 years, the marathon has evolved into one of the most exciting adventure sporting events in the world," he added.

Athletes participating in Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon have gone on to participate in some of the renowned trail running events across the world and returned home with honors.

According to the organizers, 119 foreign runners are participating in Full Marathon, 16 in Half Marathon and 7 in Ultra Marathon. The organizers are expecting more than 50 local runners to participate in the event.

The marathon will have three events: Olympic Standard Full Marathon of 41.195 km, Ultra Marathon of 60 kilometers, and Half Marathon of 21 km. Similarly, Full Marathon will have three categories -- Open, Women's and Foreigners, the Ultra Marathon. Winners, first runner-up and second runner-up of Open Category will take home a purse of Rs 200,000, Rs 100,000 and Rs 75,000, respectively, while winners, first runner-up and second runner-up of women's and foreigners' categories will be richer by Rs 100,000, Rs 75,000 and Rs 50,000, and Rs 50,000, Rs 35,000 and Rs 25,000, respectively.

Similarly, winner, and first runner-up and second runner-up of Ultra Marathon will receive cash prize of Rs 100,000, Rs 75,000 an Rs 50,000, respectively, while the winner, first runner-up and second runner-up of Half Marathon will take home a purse of Rs 50,000, Rs 35,000 and Rs 25,000 respectively.

The Full Marathon and Ultra Marathon will begin from the Everest Base Camp (5,400m) and end at Namche Bazaar, while Half Marathon will begin from Dingboche (4410m) and end at Namche Bazaar (3440m).

Speaking at the press meet, Bikram Pandey KAAJI, the concept man and the creator of Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon, said that runners themselves have transformed our marathon as the world's ultimate marathon which is good news to all of us. Our Everest Marathon is also being used as a platform for raising funds for international charities, to test endurance level of runners and raise awareness about conservation issues. It gives me immense pleasure," he said, adding that the runners are also cleaning trash at the Base Camp and carrying it to Namche Bazaar for safe disposal, presenting themselves to the world that they are responsible runners.

Mr Bikram further added that all the runners will carry a green bag which they can use to collect such trash from Everest Base Camp though it is not mandatory. "But I have seen that people like to do it because they want to leave only goodwill behind from their side when they have left the mountain," said Mr Bikram.

According to the organizers, 119 foreign runners are participating in Full Marathon, 16 in Half Marathon and 7 in Ultra Marathon. The organizers are expecting more than 50 local runners to participate in the event.

 
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