The Everest Marathon
Getting to the Start Line
Robb Taylor / 08.12.2009
<b>Sunday 29 November</b>
The Gokyo acclimatisation week is over. We now leave Kyangjuma and meet "The Big V" - downhill to the river below Sarnassa followed by the giant climb to Tengboche. There is time for a stop at the monastery before going on to our camp at Deboche and an evening meal.
<b>Monday 30 November</b>
We headed off through the trees following long mani walls, crossed the river and continued to climb in the sunlight through Pangboche to Shomare for lunch. The marvelous peak of Ama Dablam kept watch over us. More climbing over the Pheriche pass and across the river led us into Pheriche and the night's camp.
<b>Tuesday 1 December</b>
We opted to climb the ridge above Pheriche and ramble along the high path to Duglha. Below us we could see the marathon route as it wound along the flats and then attacked the boulder-strewn climb.
After lunch at Duglha we faced the scrambling climb through the rocks to the "cemetery" - a field of memorials to those who have perished on Everest. Then it was on and up to Lobuche and our camp, set up in a rock-infested moraine. Altitude was beginning to take its toll: headaches, coughs, lassitude and raw, sore throats abounded. t was cold and clear and stark in the full moonlight.
<b>Wednesday 2 December</b>
An acclimatization day in Lobuche gave an opportunity for rest or a climb of Kala Pattar for a good view of Everest. We, however, left Lobuche and headed down to Pangboche to ready our aid post for race day.
<b>Thursday 3 December</b>
We rested, cleaned up, and tried to anticipate the activities of race day. We wondered how our friends were faring at Lobuche and Gorak Shep. They faced medicals, the cold, and the inevitable "night-before-a-race" mental challenges.
<b>Friday 4 December</b>
RACE DAY AT LAST! We were at the 11 mile aid post. We were ready at 7.30 am with fluids and snacks set out. At 7.55 the first Nepalese runners flew by, shouting their numbers and refusing aid. Then young Anna, the first foreign runner and first female came through looking strong. Another 3 hours of excitement followed with familiar faces, some excited, some already fatigued, appearing, taking fluids and food and then disappearing on their journey.
The sweep team finally appeared and released us for our own 9 mile journey down through "The Big V" and on to Namche Bazaar. The evening meal was shared with a very tired but relieved group of runners, simply basking in the glow of an incredible achievement - the completion of the highest, toughest marathon in the world.
<b>Saturday 5 December</b>
Aches and pains and fatigue reminded everyone of the big day yesterday. Presentations were made to the trekking crew who had supported us over the past two weeks. Souvenir shopping, e-mails home, rest and good food all helped bring closure to a marvelous experience. Tomorrow we head down to Lukla for the flights back to Kathmandu.
SleepMonsters
