The Everest Marathon

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The Highs and Lows of Race Day

Diana Penny Sherpani (Race Organiser) / 26.11.2003

The weather for race day was superb: not too hot and not too windy (the trails are very dusty). It clouded over mid-afternoon which meant that those on the Thamo loop at that time found it a bit chilly, but really we couldn’t have had better conditions.

The race winner Uttam is currently working at the Sherpa Hotel in Lobuche (4930m) and trains every day, so he had a huge altitude training advantage. He very sensibly started steadily but led all the way from Pheriche. He also won the Italian 18km race from Namche Bazaar to Thami and is the first Rai to win the Everest Marathon. He was very stiff the day after the race when he headed down to the village of Phakding and hopes to fly to Kathmandu with us for the prize giving. (Defending champion Hari Roka’s performance was explained by a bad chest and he waved the younger runners through on the Sarnassa hill. He was 8th at Sarnassa but then dropped back to 11th.)

All those who didn’t complete the full course are naturally very disappointed, especially Colin Solomon, but he realises he would have been risking his life going back up again as his chest infection is very bad. Malcolm Sizer, Kevin Thorpe and Madan all passed the Lobuche medical check but couldn't reach Gorak Shep, and Heong had a high fever, but knew he had to get back to Namche anyway.

The last runners got in about 17:25 (in the dark) but the back-up team did not arrive until 18:15. Jo Grove has enjoyed the whole experience and has found it very different from being a Cumbrian GP and mountain rescue medical leader.

Here’s what some of the runners had to say at the finish:

Bruce Walker: My Nepalese swan song, my darkest hour, but I wouldn't change a moment. (Bruce has completed the race many times.)

Tony McCabe: The hardest part is getting to the start line; but when you get there the race is tremendous. The feeling of elation as you cross the finish line and are handed a can of Tuborg lager by your friendly doctor makes it all worthwhile. And I beat our cantankerous Welsh leader by 4 hours!

Heong Chong: Highest of highs: lowest of lows.

Alan Christian: My two biggest ambitions were to do the Everest trek and compete in the Everest Marathon. Nothing could prepare me for the most wonderful experience of my life which will be with me forever. My ambition is fulfilled.See All Event Posts