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Everest Base Camp to Kathmandu at a run!

25.09.2007

Everest Base Camp to Kathmandu at a run! Three UK ultra-runners have confirmed their plans to attempt a new record time for this historic route. During late October, as Nepal prepares for historic elections, they will tackle the 188 miles (302 km) with over 10,000 metres of ascent and 14,000 metres of descent; attempting to run the entire route non-stop and within 3 days.

This attempt to set a new record time will be made in the spirit of peace and friendship, with a style and approach which shows respect for the local environment, peoples and culture. The team will be raising money for charities working in Nepal.

Mark Hartell, Lizzy Hawker and Stephen Pyke are all established UK ultra-runners who have competed internationally and have set numerous records in mountain and endurance races. Pyke is the current UK Ultra-running champion and a member of team Montrail, Hawker was the 2006 gold medallist at the 100km World Championships and has won the Davos Swiss Alpine Marathon, and Hartell has raced in many parts of the world including Alaska, Nepal, the USA and Morocco.

They plan to set off from Everest Base Camp at 6.30am on Thursday 25th October and aim to reach the national sports stadium in the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu, during Saturday evening. They will be accompanied, in places, by Nepalese runners who will provide moral support and local knowledge of the trails.

Their aims are:

- to strengthen relationships between the Nepalese people and westerners, and show support for Nepal and its current reforms

- to raise a target of £15,000 for charities working in Nepal

- to raise awareness that Nepal is an incredible and wonderful country to visit, and that being privileged to visit the mountains of the Himalayas we must recognise our responsibility to do so with respect both for its environment and people.