The Original Everest Marathon

The world’s highest marathon!

The Everest Marathon is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the highest marathon in the world. It is the world’s most spectacular race and has been held fifteen times every two years since 1987. To acclimatise naturally to the high altitude all runners join together for a 26 day holiday in Nepal. This holiday combines sightseeing in the capital, Kathmandu, a 15 day trek to the start under medical supervision, ascents of Gokyo Ri (5483m) and Kala Pattar (5623m) for the best views of Everest and one of the most gruelling races in the world. Although the course is basically downhill, there are two steep uphill sections. There may be snow and ice on the upper part and there is considerable exposure along much of the route.   For this reason the race is only suitable for runners with recent experience of cross country, fell or mountain running and endurance events. Experience of rough terrain is essential and road marathon experience is not sufficient on its own.

Course highlights

The Everest Marathon starts at Gorak Shep at 5,212 m (17,100 ft) the site of the 1953 Everest Base Camp, and finishes in Namche Bazaar, with a 6 mile "Thamo loop" at the end to make the full marathon distance.