Besides this, he will be writing down his name in history books for becoming the oldest runner to take part in one of the toughest marathons of the world that begins from the Everest Base Camp, situated at an altitude of 5,300 meters, and will end at Namche Bazar (3,450 meters).
Christoph Geiger, 71, who turns 72 on Sunday, is not deterred at all by the daunting task of running the most challenging race, but in contrary, is quite excited about gaining a unique experience. [break]
"I registered my name in the event to gain experience of the highest altitude race which is not possible in my native Switzerland or nearby countries like France or Germany," said the cheerful Swiss with a glimpse of smile on his face.
For an ordinary human being, it is difficult just to breathe in the thin air between the towering mountains, but the septuagenarian´s determination remains resolute.
"I hope it won´t be difficult for me to finish the race as the climate condition is favorable to my homeland," said Geiger.
"It is not much cold and the trail is also good," said the Swiss about the chilling cold temperature of seven degrees.
"I hope I could complete the race in middle position taking not more than 7 to 8 hours," added Geiger, who got chest number 52 on Thursday.
"But the most important thing is to survive the harsh conditions."
The Swiss, who claimed himself to be known as ´The Legend´ back at his homeland, said that he was motivated by his two friends Ricarda Bethke and Frank Rocktaeschel to compete in the adventurous race which covers a distance of 42.195 km.
This is not the first time Geiger is competing in long distance race. "I have the experience of running in dozens of ultra marathons. The first time I competed in long distance race was the Biel Ultra Marathon when I was 52. Since then, I have competed in a lot of ultra races," said Geiger, claiming that he had finished in top three positions in ultra races several times in Switzerland and France in the 65-70 years age group.
Geiger´s best timing ever is 8 hour 28 minute that dates back to 1994 in the 24-hour Race in Basel, Switzerland. The last long distance race he competed in was the Ultra Trial Du Mont in France on August 30, 2012.
Another interesting fact about Geiger is that his Nepal visit was his first travel via air transportation.
"Boarding a plane to Kathmandu from Germany was his first air travel and second was from Kathmandu to Lukla to compete in the event," said Geiger´s friend Ricarda Bethke.
Nearly 150 runners including 110 foreigners are competing in the event to be held on Wednesday.
The marathon is being organized annually by Himalayan Expeditions on May 29 for the past 10 years to commemorate the first ascent of Everest by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillay on May 29, 1953.
Meanwhile, a 60-km ultra marathon has been added in the current edition to celebrate the diamond jubilee (60 years) of the first ascent of Everest, the world´s highest peak. The tournament also features separate competitions for women, foreigners and open half marathon.
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