Mt Everest Challenge Marathon
01 - 08 November, 2008

Mt Everest Challenge Marathon, Nov 9, 1996. The second annual Mt Everest Challenge Marathon race started in brilliant sunshine at 6:35 a.m. at Sandakphu National Park, near Darjeeling, India. A field of 10 runners coming from America, England, Canada, Netherlands, Switzerland, and New Zealand ran out to Phulet and back to Sandakphu along a ridge line which marks the boundary between India and Nepal. Runners negotiated trails as the terrain varied in altitude from 11,815 to 10,900 back to 11,815 ft. Views of Mt Everest, Lhoste, and Makalu were off to the west, with Kanchenjunga coming closer as they ran northward. Runners World magazine (3/96) called the event "The World's Most Beautiful Marathon" because four of the five highest mountains on earth can be seen at all times. 

ECM  2007 - Mr.Miguel Angel Merino Gomez (Spain) won the first position with a time of 4 Hrs. 31 minutes.  The second position went to Mr.Duncan Larkin from USA with 4 Hrs. 37 minutes and the third position went to Mr.Robert Forbes Murdoch (UK) with 5 Hrs. 4 minutes.  Ms.Elin Margrethe Engdahl Wright (Norwegian) was the first woman to finish the marathon with an over all time of 5 Hrs. 40 minutes.  Second position went to Ms.Tracey Chalfant Nicholson of USA with 6 Hrs. 14 minutes and the third woman to finish was Ms.Prunella Venning Hayhow from UK with a time of 6 Hrs. 40 minutes.  Walkers got a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the race trail at own pace.

Participants seemed to agree with Runners World magazine in describing the Mt.Everest Challenge Marathon as the “world’s most beautiful marathon”.     Mr.C.S.Pandey was the Race Director.  The race finish rate was 100%.

The course traversed isolated jungles and small villages. Participants also got opportunity to have the spectacular view of Mt.Everest, Kachenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu (four out of five highest peaks in the world).  The event was held simultaneously with the Himalayan 100 Mile Stage Race.

The 14^th international annual Mt.Everest Challenge Marathon is scheduled to be held on 05 November 2008 in Darjeeling, India

November 01, 2008 (Saturday)

MIRIK Trip starts on arrival Bagdogra Airport which serves Darjeeling area. All meals included until trip ends at Bagdogra.Mirik LakeResort, located near Darjeeling.

November 02, 2008 (Sunday)

MIRIK Day trip to Darjeeling.Visit Himalayan musuem,and markets. Ride famous Toy Train. Mirik Lake Resort. 

November 03, 2008 (Monday)

SANDAKPHU (11815 ft) 100 Mile StageRace starts at Manybejng. (6600 ft). Stages: 24, 20, 26, 13, 17 miles. Aid station and jeep support for 24 miles. Nonrunners walk 10 mi. Bungalows. 

November 04, 2008 (Tuesday)

SANDAKPHU (11815 ft) Views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, & Kanchenjunga all day. Trails out to Molle & back. Total 20 miles. Nonrunners optionally walk 5 mi. Bungalows. 

November 05, 2008 (Wednesday)

RIMBIK (6350 ft) Everest Challenge Marathon Views of peaks and jungle. Route: Sandakphu- Phulet-Molle-Rmbik. 26.4 miles. Nonrunners walk 10 mi. Sherpa Lodge 

November 06, 2008 (Thursday)

PALMAJUA (6560 ft) Follow rural road 13 miles. Bus back to Rimbik. Nonrunners visit monastery & villages. Sherpa & Tenzing Lodges. 

November 07, 2008 (Friday)

MIRIK (5500 ft) Rural scenic road 17 miles to finish at Manybejng. Bus to Mirik Resort. Awards dinner. Nonrunners walk 5-10 miles. 

November 08, 2008 (Saturday)

TRIP ENDS Drive to Bagdogra Airport. Connection to Delhi. 

 

Stage Race (8 day trip) or Marathon (4 day trip) 

Includes shared accommodations at Mirik Lake Resort, mountain huts at Sandakphu, lodges at Rimbik, all meals, transportation, aid stations, guides, porters, full Race support, and Bagdogra Airport transfers. Payable to Himalayan Run & Trek Pvt. Ltd., Delhi, India. June 1 to August 31. 

Early Arrival at Mirik Lake Resort. ......... per day on twin sharing basis and ........ per pax on single room accommodation. Includes meals, lodging, guided sightseeing. Early arrival allows extra time to acclimatize, recover from jet lag, visit tea estates, monasteries, and shopping markets. 

PRE & POST CULTURAL SIGHTSEEING EXTENSIONS

1.  GOLDEN TRIANGLE (DELHI/AGRA/JAIPUR)

2.  WILDLIFE / BUDDHIST SECTOR etc.

Itinerary and cost details contact Race Director