Internationally renowned 34th Himalayan Run & Trek International Annual Events (Himalayan 100 Mile Stage Race) went off successfully during November 09 to 13, 2025 in Darjeeling area, the North-East Himalayan ranges. Adventurers from various countries including U.S.A, U.K, Germany, South Africa, Belgium, Austria, Singapore, India etc. took part in this novel event. The Himalayan 100 Mile Stage Race has been distinguished as one of the world’s most challenging, beautiful and toughest endurance events.
Mr. Anton Schaefer (Germany) won the 34th International Himalayan 100 Mile Stage Race with an overall time of 18 Hrs. 54 minutes got the privilege to receive the first prize. Among males, the second and third positions won by Mr. Tigaut Geyns (Belgium) with a time of 23 Hrs. 01 minutes and Mr. Christopher French (USA) with a time of 24 Hrs. 50 minutes respectively.
Amongst females, first position won by Ms. Janet Payne (UK) with a time of 30 Hrs. 39 minutes; the second and third positions won by Ms. Petra Jantschitsch (Austria) with a time of 33 Hrs. 15 Minutes and Ms. Louise Johnson (USA) with a time of 34 Hrs. 18 Minutes.
The youngest participant was Mr Tigaut Geyns (30 Years) from Belgium. The eldest participant is Ms. Janey Payne, 69 years old from UK and Mr. Steven Broadbent, 66-year-old from UK.
Weather was beautiful and participant enjoyed the panoramic view of the highest peak of the world while running, runners enjoyed majestic view Himalayan range and shining sun throughout the race. Such spectacular views are visible in the mountains very rarely.
The course traversed vast tea gardens, isolated jungles and small villages. Participants also got opportunity to have the spectacular view of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu (four out of five highest peaks in the world). According to the runners, the race trail is most beautiful and exciting. It also offers a rare and once in a lifetime opportunity to enjoy the cold breezes that hover around the rhododendron forests which holds more than four hundred types of flowering plants and three hundred varieties of rare ferns.
According to Mr. C. S. Pandey, the central ambition behind this event is to preserve the environment and local heritage of Indian Himalaya for future generation also keep the balance between body, mind and soul and make the Darjeeling area as hub for various adventurous sports. According to him, “eco-friendly adventure sport is the best way to enhance ones’ spirits and brighten life. Becoming one with nature is the most satiating experience one can have, as it helps to keep the body and mind in perfect condition.” Mr. C.S Pandey added that Himalayan Run & Trek International annual event has been started since 1991 and Mr. C. S. Pandey was the Race Director of the events.
4th Himalayan 100 K Stage Race went off successfully during November 09 to 13, 2025 in Darjeeling area, the North-East Himalayan ranges.
Mr. Steven Broadbent (UK) won the 4th International Himalayan 100 K Stage Race with an overall time of 19 Hrs. 22 minutes got the privilege to receive the first prize. Among males, the second position won by Mr. Mahesh Khurana (India) with a time of 20 Hrs. 16.
Amongst females, Ms. Gisela Kaltenpoth (Germany) won the 4th Himalayan 100 K Stage Race with a time of 14 Hrs. 04 minutes. Among males, the second and third positions won by Ms. Sandra Weltan (South Africa) with a time of 17 Hrs. 57 Minutes and Farzin Vajifdar (India) with a time of 22 Hrs. 47.
The 29th International Annual Mt. Everest Challenge Marathon was successfully held on November 11, 2025 at Darjeeling. It started at Sandakphu National Park with the participants from various countries U.S.A, U.K, Germany, South Africa, Belgium, Austria, Singapore, India etc. negotiated the trails from Sandakphu to Rimbik via Phalut. The trail course varies from 12,000 ft to 6,350 ft.
Mr. Anton Schaefer (Germany) won the first position with a time of 05 Hrs. 37 minutes. The second position went to Mr. Tigaut Geyns (Belgium) with 07 Hrs. 26 minutes and third position went to Mr. Christopher French (USA) with 08 Hrs. 13 minutes.
Amongst females, Ms. Courtney Hill (USA) was the first woman to finish the marathon with an overall time of 07 Hrs. 45 minutes. Second and third positions went to Ms. Petra Jantschitsch (Austria) with a time of 10 Hrs. 05 Minutes and Ms. Louise Johnson (USA) with a time of 10 Hrs. 32 minutes. Walkers got a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the serene and magnificent beauty of trail at own pace.
Participants seemed to agree with Runner’s World magazine in describing the Mt. Everest Challenge Marathon as the “World’s Most Beautiful Marathon”. Mr. C. S. Pandey was the Race Director.
The course traversed isolated jungles and small villages and participants got an opportunity to have the spectacular view of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu (four out of five highest peaks in the world). The event was held simultaneously with the Himalayan 100 Mile Stage Race.
Thanks to all participants of this year and previous years for their great participation; Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and supporting staff of local administration and special thanks to Nature God.
For further information contact:
C S Pandey, Race Director