Despite the early morning snowfall at Dingboche Valley at 4,400 meters that halted their day´s trek to Lobuche, spirits were high among the foreign participants who had camped in the chilly weather before their trek to the Everest Base Camp. [break]
"Regardless of snowfall or any weather barriers, we will conduct the marathon on May 29," said Krishna Bahadur Basnet, the coordinator for the marathon and also the athletic coach of National Sports Council.
"This is a joint collaboration of the technical and medical team along with local support."
As part of their regular training, some of the participants ran downhill braving the snow flakes and snowy trails.
Phura Sonam Sherpa, head of the trekking team, said weather problems in such kind of marathon are imminent and the team is well-prepared.
Dr Shiva Shrotriya, one of the four doctors of the medical team that is accompanying the marathon team, informed about the safety measures and precautions that the team is taking. He informed that foreign participants have had adequate medical screenings and the locals are used to this kind of climate.
While foreign participants are being trekked on an itinerary, locals are also being provided with necessary logistics as tents, shoes and sunglasses, if needed, Sherpa said.
Mark Willis, one of the participants from Richmond, Virginia, said the experience so far has been "great and the weather [snowfall] has added extra excitement".
Willis, who has also participated in other trail races and ultra marathons, said he is participating just to be a part of the world´s highest marathon and be at the Everest Base Camp.
The Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon that started in 2003 has this year 74 participants so far including 30 foreigners from India, USA, the UK, Ireland, France, Hungary, Poland, New Zealand, Germany, Australia and Brazil.
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