The Mt. Everest Challenge Marathon is held simultaneously with the Himalayan 100 Mile Stage Race, and has been called “The World’s Most Beautiful Marathon” by the editor of Runner’s World Magazine (UK 3/96). This 8-day trip sets a comfortable pace allowing acclimatization days to relax at Mirik Lake Resort, while visiting monasteries, tea estates, the Himalayan mountaineering museum, Darjeeling markets, and enjoying spectacular views of Everest and Kanchenjunga at Sandakphu National Park. Runners may run as they wish during the first two days of the Stage Race. The Marathon is run on Day 3 of Himalayan 100 Mile Stage Race from Sandakphu (11,815 ft) along a ridge line footpath with spectacular mountain views. At about 18 miles, the course turns down through lush jungle and remote villages to reach Rimbik (6600 ft). Participants can spend the remaining two days of the Stage Race to run or walk if they so choose.
The course passes through isolated jungles and small villages. Participants also get opportunity to have the spectacular view of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu - four out of five of the highest peaks in the world.
The participants can register for the Mt. Everest Challenge Marathon in either of two ways:
Register for Himalayan 100 Mile Stage Race and choose to run only on-Stage Race Day 3. The itinerary will otherwise remain the same as of Himalayan 100 Mile Stage Race. Or,
. Register only for Mt. Everest Challenge Marathon (3 Nights/4 Days itinerary).
Distance 26 Mile Sandakphu (3636m) to Phalut (3600m) to Rimbik (2235m)
Elevation Gain 1127m
Elevation Loss 2735m
