Tenzing-Hilary Everest Marathon, the World’s Highest Marathon, was started in 2003 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first successful ascent to the top of the world, Mt. Everest, and to commemorate two of the most iconic legends of the mountains, Late Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Late Sir Edmund Hilary. Everest Marathon has always carried an ambition of promoting trail running in Nepal. After 14 years since its start, Everest Marathon has grown to become one of the biggest trail running events in Nepal and has attracted huge participation from all around the world.
Since its start in 2003, local participants have consistently notched the first place in the Everest Marathon. In recent years, not only have the local participants accomplished success in the competitions, but few names have made the headlines in the international competitions as well. Despite the success and much potential; most of them rarely get a chance abroad. What ceases the growth of these potentials? International competitions are expensive for the locals; entry fees, traveling cost and hotels are hardly affordable. The major reason for the local athletes to hold back from the opportunities is the financial issues. Therefore, Everest Marathon is committed to helping these talents shine in the international arena.
We, the organizers of Everest Marathon are starting a fundraising campaign. The primary purpose of this project is to financially help the local runners and build a platform for them to participate in Sky World Championship. Mr. Bhim Bahadur Gurung, the winner of the Everest Marathon 2015, made headlines in Trofeo Kima Skyrunner Series in Kima, Italy in 2016. He not only secured the first place in that series but also set the new standing record. Breaking the record of Kilian Jornet Burgada from Spain by 1 min 36 sec, Mr. Gurung finished the race in 06:10’44 hrs. After his success in the Skyrunner 2016, we feel that the athletes from Nepal, if given the opportunity, can achieve greater success in the international level.
Therefore, we are taking ‘Everest Marathon Fund Campaign’ as an initiative to promote the Nepali trail runners in the international arena. This campaign will be a yearly project where the funds collected will be fully invested in the career of the local runners and their development as an athlete.