On the Top of the World

Runner’s World, South Africa: February, 2005

Article by Sean Falconer, South Africa

… My Longest Day. So much for the science lesson. I still had to find out first-hand what it felt like to run 3600 meters above sea level. As I said, I was one of the lucky ones in terms of coping with the altitude, but I still managed to post the slowest time I am ever likely to run for a marathon: 10 hours, 2 minutes and 13 seconds!

…….. You see, the Mount Everest Marathon really is one of the most beautiful races in the world, and simply have to stop – or at least slow down – to look at the stunning views of snow-capped peaks, sprawling valleys that sink out of sight, pristine forests and crystal-clear skies that have never seen pollution……..

…. I left the Himalayas with a new respect for altitude, but an even bigger respect for the human body and the human spirit of runners…………….