Himalayan 100 Mile Stage Race

Day 2, 20 miles out and back

Anne-Marie Dunhill / 08.11.2012

If day one had been a relentless uphill slog, day two was described in the race briefing as flat with one steep hill at the end. Racers were soon to learn the true definition of the concept  “It’s all relative.”

Most racers were up at 04:50, rising from their warm sleeping bags in the huts dispersed throughout the tiny village of Sandakphu at 11,815 feet. The promise of stunning views had enticed them and none were disappointed. Though still dark, the full moon lit Mt. Everest, casting a crystalline light on the camp and mountain ranges. As the sun rose it cast a pale red light on Kanchenjunga which turned into a fiery orange as it hit Mt. Everest.

Race start was at 06:30 from the same place that the stage had finished yesterday so racers had over an hour to eat piping hot oatmeal, tea and omelettes, as well as exchange stories about their nights sleep (or lack of) at high altitude. Before the race started Mr. Pandey gave two stern warnings: not to “entertain” locals and not to follow local walkers on paths hoping that they might be short cuts. These paths invariably lead into Nepal.

The walkers started after the runners as the sun heated cold, stiff limbs and the press jeep bounced its way the cobble stone road. The views quickly became breathtaking as racers followed the well-marked track. The snow-white peaks of Mt. Everest sparkled on the left while Kanchenjunga rose majestically on the right.

Today’s stage was 20 miles, ten out to Molle and ten back. Rupert Fowler, the mountain biker from the UK had a more difficult day today; steep climbs are definitely his forte. Holger Schulze from Germany quickly took the lead and maintained it throughout, at times at a pace close to a sprint. He was closely followed by Kevin Weil and Louis Holtzhausen from South Africa. Elisabeth Weil continued to dominate the women racers with the only sign of wear and tear being a small square shaped bandage on the inside of her right knee. Her nearest rival was Rachel Carter.