A field of 56 participants from thirteen countries started the 13th annual international Himalayan 100 Mile Stage Race, which took place near Darjeeling, India, on some of the most spectacular terrain in the world. The course offered views of many major Himalayan peaks, and traversed isolated jungles, pine forests, and major rivers while passing through small settlements and villages. Yaks, wild ponies, and the red panda were seen at higher elevations by some runners. At each overnight stop, meals were fully catered and accommodations were in rustic mountain huts.

The first stage started in Manebj and covered 24 miles on trails to Sandakphu (12,000 feet). It was not an easy day, as the route had over 10,000 feet of altitude gain. Day two was out ten miles on trails to Molle and then back to Sandakphu with spectacular views of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Maklau (four of the five highest peaks in the world). The third stage of 26 miles was out past Molle and then down to Rimbik (6,000 feet) on trails. Days four and five were 13 miles and 17 miles respectively, both on rural roads. 

Sergio Fernandez Perez from Spain won the 13th International Himalayan 100 Mile Stage Race with an overall time of 16 hrs and 17 minutes and got the privilege to receive the Gold Award. The second and third position won by Noel Hanna (N. Ireland with a time 16 hrs 50 minutes) and Ronald Logan (UK with a time 17 hrs 37 minutes) respectively. While Ms. Lynne Stark (N. Ireland with 19 hrs 49 minutes) and Grethe L Petersen (UK with 21 hrs 37 minutes) won the first and second position among females, Ms. Amanda English 24 hrs 26 minutes from UK minutes declared the third winner. The finish rate was 98%.

The 16th international annual Himalayan 100 Mile Stage Race is scheduled to be held during 31 October to 07 November 2006 (Seven nights/eight days and from Bagdogra airport to Bagdogra airport)

Linda Van Tilborg adds:

C. S. Pandey. and crew put on a first-class run over some of the most beautiful trails I have ever seen. My expectations and the reality of it all were far apart in some areas and close to the mark in others.

I expected the race to be difficult; I didn't expect the difficulty to be mitigated by the views. Somehow, even when you're nauseated and tired, the magnificence of the course buoys you up and makes you glad you're there.

I expected "cobblestones" to mean rounded rocks set into the tread of the road. What we got were long, rough-edged rocks set end-up into the road tread -- a more grippable surface and less slippery than anticipated (except in the riparian areas the first day, when we got patches of ice-covered cobbles). What we also got from the cobblestones was at least 30 miles of cobble-practice with some of it starting right off on the first day.

Then them was the expectation of seeing nothing in the way of vegetation above treeline. maybe 11,000 feet, like in the States, Well, there was plenty of vegetation up there. grasses. mosses, fir-type trees, hardwoods at 12.000 feet.

I expected to need supplemental oxygen up there. but no-o-o-o. the aid stations only had English tea biscuits, native bananas, and mineral water. Actually, the air was very breathable up there. (Had I spent enough time training at altitude in the States or was I just going too slowly?)

I expected to run more than I did. I am not surprised, though, that I walked probably two-thirds of the course. Those hills were steep -- I even walked a good deal of the downhills! 

I expected to eat like a horse -- Lord knows there was enough delicious food supplied by Mr. Pandey's crews -- but no-o-o-o again, it was all I could do to cram down enough to fuel the machine for the next day's stage! Altitude, they say, does nasty things to one's appetite, and just when I had an excellent excuse to pig-out, I couldn't really take advantage of it.

I expected to be an "Ugly American" over there. Not at all! The village people we came in contact with -- I never greeted so many people while running in my life -- were gracious and excited, and the children loved to run alongside. We were welcomed and cheered everywhere we went.

I expected to be thrilled and exhilarated if I could finish the event on my feet, healthy, and uninjured (I tend to fall a lot). And I was. Do this one if you get a chance! 

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