The annual Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon, the highest marathon on earth, is held annually on May 29 in the Everest region as per tradition.
Everest Marathon aims to commemorate the first successful ascent of Everest by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary on May 29, 1953. The 60 K ultra running was named to mark the 60th anniversary of the successful summit of Mt. Everest.
An essential feature of Everest Marathon is trekking to Everest Base Camp before the start of the race. The journey begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, from which point trekking begins.
The trek will take participants through Sagarmatha National Park, Namche Bazaar, Pangboche Monastery (one of the oldest in the area) and Tengboche Monastery (the biggest in the Himalayas).
The highlight of the trip is Kalapatthar at 5,545 m (18,200 ft), from the summit of which one can enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks, ranges and glaciers, including Mt. Everest, a stone’s throw away.
