Himalayan 100 Mile Stage Race: A truly beautiful race (whether the weather, you go!)

Jacqueline Windh / 10.11.2013

It’s a wrap! There was a real sense of accomplishment in our group, over the hardships we had overcome, and also for the rewards - one of the best being how the sky miraculously cleared for us on Day Three, offering us unparalleled views of both Everest and Kanchenjunga. (Mr. Pandey later told us that, while we were running Stage Two in the fog, many of his race workers had gone to the temple at Sandakphu to pray to the mountain goddesses that the sky would clear).

This is one of those races that you can take as a competitive event (in spite of Mr. Pandey’s warnings about not going too fast, not trying to win, but to take in the views instead) or you can treat more as running-for-tourism. I am actually really happy to have been one of those back-of-the-pack runners on this one, no excuse to run past the views because I am not in the running to win anything anyway. Some call this the most beautiful ultramarathon in the world. It is so hard to compare the beauty of one place to another, but this one is certainly on par with any other course I have been on.

For me, the highlight was Day Three, the Mt. Everest Challenge Marathon. While it is stage three of the multi-day event, there were also runners who used the earlier days to hike and acclimatize, and who were here only to run the marathon. The day was so full, between the Himalaya views at the top, and the descent through the jungle villages and all of the interactions with the villagers towards the end, that in my memories it feels like it was two days.

All together, 38 runners (including two who were mixing running and mountain biking) set out on Day One for the stage race. 31 completed the full route, with the remaining ones either not finishing on Day One (when the cold blowing rain made a headlamp finish difficult) or choosing to sit out one or more stages.

The UK’s Martin Cox won the race handily, with a total time of 15:07 - coming close to setting a course record. Martin was in Mr. Pandey’s disfavour for going so fast - the aim of this race is not to win! On the pre-marathon briefing, Mr. Pandey warned us not to run like Martin - in fact, not even to get near him. “Do not run like the Martin Cox. If you see the Martin Cox, this is very bad!” Mr. Pandey scolded Martin for wining the race (although, as Norway’s Marit Holm, female winner, insists: “Somebody has to win!”)

I am not a racer. I had entered this event solely with the aims of enjoying, and finishing strong and in good health. However, after I bettered my “best-case” time on the first day, I found myself coming up with some goals of my own. I bettered my goal-time on four of the five days (and on the marathon day I blame my slow time on the photography!). I found myself sneaking in a hope to finish the whole route in under thirty hours So I ended up very pleased with a cumulative time of 28:17. And feeling good, with no injuries!

I totally recommend this race. This was the 23rd year that the event has been running, and Mr. Pandey and his team have fine-tuned their planning. Yes, there were times when things went a bit behind schedule (which happens in many big races, not just in India). In some places the accommodation was very basic, but it was always adequate. Importantly, the meals were delicious and race-appropriate, and aid stations were well stocked. The organizational team was great - very friendly and helpful - and truly going above and beyond to keep the race going. (On Day Two, as they set out at 3am on the stone road to arm the aid stations, their Jeep broke down - so they ran the water out to the stations to make sure it would be there for us!). For me, interacting with the locals along the route was a real highlight, too.

And then there is the scenery…. I have seen Mt. Everest! The route is unique, and truly beautiful.

If you decide to do this race, I do recommend that you read the pre-race information that Mr. Pandey sends carefully. Take running clothing for for every possible race weather, from snow and rain to heat. Take along race food that you won’t find in India (aid stations provide boiled potatoes, bananas and cookies). Get your shots well in advance, and take a substantial first aid kit that includes both wound dressings and any antibiotics or other remedies that you might need. (Even though our group managed to stay in good health the whole week - if something happens, you probably won’t be able to source supplies there).

And then…. enjoy!

Final results were no surprise... the leaders were strong and consistent throughout. Here are top three overall:

Men:
1. Martin Cox (UK) 15:07 - 1st overall
2. Dan Dosedel (USA) 18:12 - 3rd overall
3. Greg Barton (UK) 19:21

Women:
1. Marit Holm (Norway) 17:56 - 2nd overall
2. Clare Glazebrook (UK) 22:20
3. Thamar Houliston (South Africa) 23:40­

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